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Also in this issue Server Blades Remote Monitoring and Maintenance The magazine of record for the embedded computing industry

Embedded Linux and Java Work Together

November 2006 www.rtcmagazine.com

AMC

T O GET

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Departments 9

Editorial: Will AMC/MicroTCA Rule the Future? www.rtcmagazine.com

11 Industry Insider

58 Products&Technology

Features Technology in Context

Server Blades

14 Flash-Based Data Storage Enhances Blade Server Operation Guy Freikorn and Rochelle Singer, Msystems

Msystems’ mModule uDOC is a plug-in data storage solution for blade server management modules. • Pg. 14

18 Will ATCA Bring Order Out of Chaos for Blade Servers?

Alan Percy, AudioCodes

Solutions Engineering

AMC

22 Ruggedizing MicroTCA: Going Beyond the Central Office Willie Coffey and Bob Trufford, Motorola and Bob Sullivan, Hybricon

28 MicroTCA Cubes Provide Scalability in Modular Systems Charles C. Beyers, Lucent Technologies

34 M icroTCA.0 Spec Adapts and Extends PICMG Hardware Platform Management Mark Overgaard, Pigeon Point Systems

Industry Insight Remote Monitoring and Maintenance 38 Remote Monitoring Technologies Improve Efficiencies, ROI Rahul Shah, Lantronix

The Lantronix UDS1100 device server delivers remote command and control of existing equipment. • Pg. 38

42 Wireless Remote Device Networking Has Arrived Jason Sprayberry, Digi International

Executive Interview 46 More and More Functionality In Less Space.

RTC Interviews Jerry Winfield, President of WinSystems

Software and Development Tools Linux 52 Linux and Java Team Up to Address High-Availability Needs Geoff Baysinger, MontaVista Software and Kelvin Nilsen, Aonix

Industry Watch 62 PCI Express—Everywhere Akber Kazmi, PLX Technology

Microsoft Launches Latest Version— Windows CE 6.0 • Pg. 58

November 2006

November 2006 Publisher PRESIDENT John Reardon, johnr@r tcgroup.com VICE PRESIDENT, European Operations Zoltan Hunor, zoltanh@r tcgroup.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Warren Andrews, warrena@r tcgroup.com

Editorial

EDITOR-IN - CHIEF Tom Williams, tomw@r tcgroup.com SENIOR EDITOR Ann Thr y f t, annt@r tcgroup.com MANAGING EDITOR Marina Tringali, marinat@r tcgroup.com COPY EDITOR Rochelle Cohn

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November 2006

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Published by The RTC Group Copyright 2006, The RTC Group. Printed in the United States. All rights reserved.

All related graphics are trademarks of The RTC Group. All other brand and product names are the property of their holders.

Images Courtesy of U.S. Army

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Editorial November 2006

Will AMC/MicroTCA Rule the Future?

by Tom Williams, Editor-in-Chief

O

ur industry is riddled with examples of technical solutions that were designed for one purpose yet wound up being used, adapted and modified for other applications far removed from their original intention. The PC and some of its related technologies (CPI, USB, x86, etc.) are prime examples. It may be that we are witnessing a similar phenomenon in the rise of the Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) and its incorporation into a chassis/backplane technology known as MicroTCA. MicroTCA is, of course, derived from AdvancedTCA, the telecomoriented form-factor and specification that originated with PICMG 3.x with its various fabric options.

Originally conceived as a front-removable, hot-swappable mezzanine form-factor for use in configuring ATCA boards, AMC now appears to be drawing even more attention for its potential in applications where it sits in its own chassis (MicroTCA) and begins to look attractive for applications other than the communications and networking arena for which it was originally conceived. We have a compelling collection of articles in this issue that indicates the direction this versatile form-factor may eventually take—that will bring it from the NEBS-compliant environment onto the factory floor and into vehicles and more.

One of the advantages of AMC/MircoTCA is its growing acceptance in the networking and telecommunications space. This gives it an economy of scale that makes it attractive for those other applications if certain limitations can be overcome, among which are shock and vibration and thermal issues. These and other issues are far from being solved, but it is beginning to look like there is growing motivation among Industry players to bring AMC/MicroTCA into the wider world of industrial automation and transportation. There is some question as to whether it would go all the way into military applications, but there is definite interest in military circles in having that happen as well.

There is, of course, a competing nascent specification for a form-factor approximately the same size as AMC, but designed from the start to be rugged, replaceable with no tools and amenable to air or liquid cooling. That is VITA 58, which is

aimed squarely at rugged, military-level applications, to enable two-level maintenance and be available as line-replaceable modules (LRMs). One big difference between VITA 58 and AMC/ MicroTCA is that AMC/MicroTCA has a head start in terms of deployment while VITA 58 has a clean slate in terms of addressing specific needs of the military. The disadvantage of VITA 58 is that it is still essentially on the drawing board.

Probably the major battleground, if there is to be one, will be in the industrial automation space, where AMC/MicroTCA appears to be aggressively staking a claim. If the major thrust for ruggedization is centered on the chassis, backplane and card cage, then all AMC-compliant boards should be usable in that environment. They may not be rugged enough to qualify for the most demanding military uses, but the jury is still out on that.

They will be less expensive than their VITA 58 counterparts and so would seem more attractive in areas where they can meet the conditions. It may well turn out that VITA 58 will rule the downand-dirty, super-rugged military world, but that is not the biggest market share and MicroTCA will have the opportunity to stake its claim in other areas before VITA 58 sees the light of day. If it should turn out that AMC/MicroTCA is embraced by the military in a reasonable time frame, then the odds are that VITA 58 will be stillborn.

Another interesting aspect of MicroTCA is the schema for scalability being proposed by Lucent Technologies in this issue.

AMC modules can be scaled in compatible “cubes” and remain at least useable in harsh environments right up to the point that further scaling requires using ATCA boards to handle the interconnect. Nobody is seriously proposing a rugged ATCA spec. The boards are too big, flexible and unwieldy to be reliable in high shock and vibration conditions. Still, AMC and its derivative MicroTCA look like they have a definite future beyond the telecom world they were originally conceived to serve. How well they do will depend on the success of proving degrees of ruggedization and how well the economies of scale can make them attractive in cost-sensitive scenarios.

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Industry Insider

November 2006

(ATCA) platforms. The preintegrated solution provides telecommunications equipment The Mountain View Alliance, a recently formed consortium of open specification organizations manufacturers (TEMs) with a in the communications industry, will launch its first annual conference, a two-day event called the single source for all their high“MVA Comms Ecosystem Conference,” on February 28th, 2007 at the conference facilities of the availability ATCA requirements Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel on the waterfront in San Diego. and is available today.

The MVA was established in June 2005. Its members include PICMG, the Service Availability The RadiSys Promentum Forum (SA Forum), the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF), the RapidIO Trade Association, the product family includes an SCOPE Alliance, the Communications Platforms Trade Association (CP-TA) and the Open Comintegrated, application-ready munications Architecture Forum (OCAF). More than 500 companies are represented by these platform and modular building blocks designed to address member organizations, many of whom will be gathering for this educational two-day conference. high-speed I/O and bandwidth“The industry is ready for a unifying event such as MVA-CEC that will address the breadth intensive traffic-bearing of issues of building open specifications based on commercial off-the-shelf equipment for the applications.

RadiSys’ ATCA converging wireless, service provider/telecom and Internet infrastructure markets,” said Rob strategy delivers a common Get Connected with technology and Davidson, the PICMG representative at the MVA. “This event will demonstrate the maturity of the companies providing solutions now platform for network element underlying specifications, the readiness of the ecosystem of both consumers and suppliers of and data plane applications, Get Connected is a new resource for further exploration standards-based products, and strengthen thecompanies. ties between by building grassroots into products, technologies and Whetherorganizations your goal implemented in a flexible and connections between he added. is tomembers” research the latest datasheet from a company, speak directly reliable architecture complete Application Engineer, jump to a company's technicalcompanies page, the The event with is aangathering of MVA ororganizations’ member and is open to all profeswith comprehensive system goal of Get Connected is to put you in touch with the right resource. management. sionals interested in learning more about the activities of member organizations and related open Whichever level of service you require for whatever type of technology, The OpenClovis Application specifications.Get The conference will include education sessions, interactive round table discusConnected will help you connect with the companies and products Service Platform (ASP) provides sions as well as youpresentations are searching for. from technology and business leaders from the entire ecosystem. an off-the-shelf, standards www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected For information on attending or exhibiting, go to www.mvacec.com. aligned, manageability and highavailability software solution. It is operating system- and platformonline fraud because it uses agnostic, and is pre-integrated mass-storage devices at retail “TrustedSignins” dual-factor authentication, with various distributions of outlets and then use them at Authentication System which requires the combination Linux including MontaVista, either an RSA SecurID-enabled to Protect Against Online Get Connected technology companies solutions now of with something youand know, such providing Wind River and Red Hat. The Web site or a VeriSign-enabled Fraud Get Connected isasa new resource for further exploration technologies and companies. your goal is to research the latest a password or user name,into products, integrated RadiSys/OpenClovis Web site.

The generic term forWhether a datasheet from a company, speak directly you with anhave, Application or jump to a company's technical page, the goal of Get Connected is to put you Online banking, shopping with something suchEngineer, solution is suitable for a wide device with this functionality is in touch withwill the right resource. Whichever level of service you require for whatever type of technology, and other transactions as a SanDisk USB flash drive range of carrier grade network called a searching token. TrustedSignins Get Connected you connect with the companies and products you are for. soon have added security with awill help or mobile card. In addition to elements and its usage ranges supports multiple virtual tokens www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected new dual-factor authentication entering a static user name and from application servers, RNC/ and multiple algorithms, so technology called TrustedSignins, password, a consumer connects BSC, media gateway, security the technology is versatile and introduced today by SanDisk. the SanDisk flash drive containing gateway, IPTV, 3G/WiMAX and expandable TrustedSignins is based on TrustedSignins technology to IMS core elements.

SanDisk TrustedFlash technology, a PC and a one-time password The combination of OpenClovis and RadiSys which combines SanDisk’s 32-bit (OTP) is generated and supplied RadiSys Promentum platforms controller architecture with an Partner on Highto the Web site for an extra level of and OpenClovis ASP embedded cryptographic engine Availability ATCA Solutions middleware is intended to give security. The one-time password to provide real-time encryption can be routed seamlessly to an for TEMs the communications industry and tamper-resistant security to identity protection network for RadiSys and OpenClovis flexibility and carrier grade keep stored data highly secure. validation, allowing the user to have announced a partnership functionality for delivering new As a secure platform that is access multiple accounts such as whereby RadiSys will resell value-add services and products at transparent to the consumer, Get Connected with companies and those from a bank, auction house and support Get OpenClovis Connected highsignificantly lower time and cost TrustedFlash is suitable for products featured in this section. or brokerage. companies mentioned article. availabilitywith middleware andin thisthan for traditional platforms. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected supporting one time passwords RSA, the Security Division applicationwww.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected development tools and other secure value-added of EMC, and Verisign are each with its Promentum Advanced applications. working with SanDisk to enable Telecom Computing Architecture The TrustedSignins and provide consumer-friendly, authentication system provides two-factor authentication for end Get Connected with companies mentioned in this article. highly secure protection against users who purchase SanDisk www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected Get Connected with companies and products featured in this section.

New Industry Alliance Launches New Conference

Ad Index

Products

End of Article

www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

November 2006

11

Industry Insider

Numerical Mathematics Consortium Updates Open Standard for Algorithm Development

The Numerical Mathematics Consortium has announced the latest revision to a technical specification introduced earlier this year that defines an open mathematics semantics standard for numerical algorithm development. This update includes newly ratified functions from classes that include polynomials and vector analysis. In addition to the new function definitions, the consortium resolved significant technical issues that simplify ratification of new functions.

The founding companies of the Numerical Mathematics Consortium—which include INRIA, Maplesoft, Mathsoft (recently acquired by PTC, Nasdaq: PMTC) and National Instruments (Nasdaq: NATI)— established the organization in 2005 to create a specification that facilitates reuse and portability of numeric algorithms. To reach this goal, the organization is initially focusing on standardizing a core set of mathematical functions that can be used in a wide variety of application areas such as industrial control, embedded design and scientific research, as well as be easily reused by researchers and developers in industry and academia.

The newly resolved technical issues address practical topics related to algorithm design and compliance with the standard.

The resolved issues cover topics

such as when to specify vector orientation, how to support vectorization, what it means to be compliant and how to choose a semantic representation. Settling these technical issues provides guidelines that improve the rate of progress for new function adoption.

With the newly resolved technical issues and ratified functions in place, the revised standard establishes a framework encouraging both academic and industry participation in influencing the standard.

The Numerical Mathematics Consortium is actively seeking new membership of individuals and organizations interested in influencing an important standardization effort that encourages code reuse and portability.

Performance Technologies Joins OSDL Carrier Grade Linux Working Group

Performance Technologies and Open Source Development Labs have announced that Performance Technologies has joined OSDL and will participate in the Lab’s Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) Working Group to advance support for the telecom and networking markets.

The OSDL Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) initiative started with the vision that communication services will be delivered using open standard carrier grade platforms. A Linux kernel with Carrier Grade characteristics is an essential building block

component of such platforms and architectures. Since its formation, the working group has produced three versions of a specification to define these required capabilities.

“Major telecom equipment manufacturers continue to see the benefits of adopting Linux to reduce costs and enable a higher level of flexibility in telecommunications devices,” said Bill Weinberg, senior technology analyst for OSDL. “Performance Technologies’ support of OSDL’s CGL initiative strengthens our work to promote the development and acceptance of highly integrated, Linuxbased solutions for use in mission critical applications.”

Performance Technolgies’ NexusWare Core is a comprehensive, integrated, Linuxbased development, integration and management environment designed to improve quality and speed time-to-market for system engineers using Performance Technologies’ solutions to build packet-based wireless, IMS, IP telephony and defense and homeland security systems.

53 Million Euro Contract Puts ATCA into China

Alcatel has secured three separate GSM and GPRS expansion contracts with Chinese mobile service providers, Shaanxi Mobile Communication Company Limited (Shaanxi MCC) and Jiangsu Mobile Communication Company Limited (Jiangsu MCC), both subsidiaries of China Mobile. The contracts, valued at

Event Calendar 12/05/06

12/08/06

01/15-16/07

Application Accel. Seminar San Jose, CA www.aaseminar.com

Real-Time & Embedded Computing Conference Seattle, WA www.rtecc.com/seattle

Bus&Board Conference Long Beach, CA www.busandboard.com

12/12/06

Marine West 2007 Camp Pendleton, CA www.marinecorpsexpos.com

12/06/06 Real-Time & Embedded Computing Conference Portland, OR www.rtecc.com/portland

Application Accel. Seminar Boston, MA www.aaseminar.com

01/17-18/07

approximately Euro 53 million, were won through Alcatel Shanghai Bell, Alcatel’s flagship company in China.

Under the contract with Shaanxi MCC, Alcatel will provide and install its Evolium GSM/EDGE platform to expand mobile service in five major cities across Shaanxi Province: Yulin, Yan’an, Shangluo, Baoji and Xianyang. To ensure quality of service, Alcatel has reinforced its rural coverage solution with indoor and outdoor base stations.

Alcatel will also provide Shaanxi MCC with its Alcatel’s AdvancedTCA-compliant SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node), which will enable nearly one million additional subscribers to take advantage of enhanced mobile voice and data services, such as Web browsing, video streaming and instant messaging.

Alcatel’s contract with Jiangsu MCC provides for installation of Alcatel’s Evolium GSM/EDGE solutions including Base Stations (BTS), Base Station Controllers (BSC), Transcoder (TC), Multi-BSS Fast Packet Server (MFS) and Operation & Maintenance Center for Radio (OMC-R). Once deployed, the network will serve subscribers in Jiangsu Province located in the cities of Nanjing, Yangzhou, Xuzhou, Huaian, Yancheng, Lianyungang, Suqian and Taizhou. This is the 9th GSM network expansion contract that Alcatel has secured with Jiangsu MCC.

01/25/07 Real-Time & Embedded Computing Conference Santa Clara, CA www.rtecc.com/santaclara

02/28-3/01/07 MVA Communications Ecosystem Conference San Diego, CA www.mvacec.com

01/31-2/02/07 West 2007 San Diego, CA www.afcea.org

If your company produces any type of industry event, you can get your event listed by contacting sallyb@rtcgroup.com. This is a FREE industry-wide listing.

12

November 2006

GE Fanuc Embedded Systems

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Finding exactly the right single board computer can be a time-consuming task, but it can be lot simpler when you start your search at GE Fanuc Embedded Systems. We have such a vast selection that you’re likely to find what you’re looking for, no matter what the form factor, processor, ruggedization level, I/O or configuration.

This PICMG® 2.16 compliant computer, for example, offers 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 16 programmable GPIO ports, a 167 MHz MPX system bus, and gives you the choice between a 1 GHz or a 1.4 GHz Freescale™ PowerPC® G4 processor. It can be

ordered with convection or conduction cooling, and it’s just one of a dozen of our off-the-shelf cPCI single board computers, most of which are available in multiple configurations.

We not only offer you cPCI in 3U and 6U, Intel® or PowerPC with convection or conduction cooling, we also have a range of VME, PMC and AdvancedTCA® and AdvancedMC™ processor boards. Take a look at our selection. We’ve spent a lot of time pulling it all together so you don’t have to.

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TechnologyInContext Server Blades

Flash-Based Data Storage Enhances Blade Server Operation As blade servers continue moving into the mainstream, their compact architecture introduces higher heat loads. Designers are introducing more reliable, power-efficient components, including flash-based data storage.

Ad Index

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Cooling Down Rack action processing, DSS data warehousing According to a forecast made by cool- Temperatures and scientific and video streaming. ing experts at Liebert, Emerson Network Blade servers must maintain very Newer-generation, slimmer blade Power in the company’s presentation at high mean time between failure (MTBF) server designs are enabling 10 or more the 2006 Blade Server Summit, heat loads rates to guarantee data center demands for Get Connected with technology and companies providing solutions now exceptionally high 99.999% (five nines) Get Connected is a new resource for further exploration into products, technologies and companies. Whether your goal is to research computing Such a the high 50C 122F Engineer, datasheet from a company, speak directly with an Application or jump to a availability. company's technical page, goalperof Get Connec translates to five hours and 15 in touch with300 theW/sf right resource. Whichever level of service you requirecentage for whatever type of technology, 450 W/sf 45C 112F Get Connected will help you connect with the companies and products you are searching 14.4 kW/Rack 9.6 kW/Rack minutes of totalfor.downtime over a period 40C 104F www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected of one year.

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14

Products

Get Connected Time without cooling in minutes with in acompanies 10,000 and sq. ft. data center, according products featured in this section. to a presentation given by Liebert, Emerson Network Power at the 2006 www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected Blade Server Summit.

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November 2006

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TechnologyInContext

heat load aisles, and optimizing various under-floor cooling schemes.

Fans are probably the most common method used for cooling, and are deployed in both the blade server itself and in the rack. However, their disadvantages are bulk and additional moving mechanical parts, with accompanying low MTBF rates. As a result, fans can seriously cut into mandatory five 9s availability levels.

In addition, as a side effect, they dramatically increase system noise levels.

In such an environment, therefore, designers are evaluating every component for the heat burden it places on the blade server and on the rack. Data storage solutions are no exception.

Flash-Based vs. Hard Disk Drive-Based Data Storage Compared

Hard disk drives are an inexpensive and high-capacity data storage mePentXM2_187x121_GB 11:52 dia used extensively in18/10/06 blade servers.

Figure 2

Msystems’ mModule uDOC is a plug-in data storage solution for blade server management modules.

Although flash-based data storage media is widely acknowledged as more power efficient and reliable with far better MTBF rates than hard disk drives, in the past the higher price of flash prevented it from making significant inroads into the blade server space.

But flash prices continue to decline annually by 50% while capacities double Page at the1 same rate. Industry analysts pre-

dict that this trend will continue, based on advanced flash technologies and finer processes that use less silicon. Flashbased data storage solutions are therefore becoming attractive in terms of both their characteristics and their prices, and can help lower the total cost of ownership (TCO).

Since flash-based storage is more power efficient than hard disks, it reduces

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www.thalescomputers.com November 2006

15

TechnologyInContext the need for extensive fan cooling in blade servers. A flash-based drive consumes up to 2x less power than the equivalent capacity hard disk drive. This lower power consumption is due to two major causes.

The average power consumption for read/write operations in flash-based storage is around 1W, whereas the hard disk drive consumes an average of 2W. The power consumption generated by either type of drive is translated into heat.

16

November 2006

As such, the heat generated by the flashbased drive is considerably lower than that generated by a mechanical hard disk drive, reducing heat in the blade server.

Second, since flash is a solid-state device with no moving parts such as engines and heads, it does not need to spin up into action the way that a hard disk drive does.

The drive spin-up task alone is specified for the hard disk drive at 5W. This difference in operation gives

flash another advantage for blade servers in terms of faster access times. Access time is calculated for hard disk drives as the product of spin-up time plus seek time.

An average access time for flash drives is only 0.1 millisecond. But for hard disk drives, average access time jumps to 15 milliseconds.

Flash-based data storage is also more reliable than hard disk drives because it is immune from the most common hard disk failure, a head crash, which often leads to partial or total loss of data. In addition, flash-based storage can operate in extreme temperature ranges, from -40° to +85°C, whereas the operating temperature range of hard disk drives is a much narrower +5° to +60°C. As a consequence of its greater reliability, flash-based storage achieves much better MTBF rates than hard disk drives.

Although the weakest thermal component of the server blade used to be the CPU, today it is the hard disk drive. As a result, the hard disk drive causes more than 20% of all system failures.

Flash-based media’s innate ruggedness is due to the absence of moving parts and sophisticated flash management software that supports power management to ensure data reliability, even in the event of a power failure. For these reasons, flash-based storage solutions can achieve actual, fielded MTBF rates of more than 2 million operating hours. This compares with the range of 300,000 MTBF hours for mobile hard disk drives to over 1 million MTBF hours for enterprise hard disk drives published by popular manufacturers, rates that are two to six times worse than flash.

Because blade servers must meet such stringent high-availability requirements, they are generally designed with component redundancy in order to provide backup functionality.

Flash-based storage media can replace the hard disk drive in two different locations: the management module used to manage all blade server activities and the actual blade server, where two hard disk drives are the standard.

Finally, flash-based storage media can reduce the total cost of ownership compared to hard disk drives. This is possible both because, due to its superior MTBF rates, flash-based media does not

TechnologyInContext heat loads that can cause blade server failure. Charged with meeting data center demands for 99.999% availability, designers are introducing preventive measures based on more reliable, power-efficient components. As flash prices continue to drop by 50% annually and capacities double at the same rate, flash-based solid-state media is replacing the hard disk drive as the coolest and most reliable data and code storage solution for blade servers.

New high-density flash memory technologies such as multi-level cell, NAND and finer processes will combine to make it increasingly cost-effective in higher capacities. As these trends unfold, flashbased storage devices are set to give more blade servers an ever-sharper edge to meet power-efficiency, ruggedness and MTBF requirements in demanding data center environments.

Figure 3

Msystems’ mSSD SATA 2.5-in. solid-state drive is a drop-in replacement for the hard disk drive in blade servers.

require redundancy, and because the absence of moving parts means that it does not require regular maintenance.

A 10-year TCO example calculated

by Msystems in February 2005 places the TCO of a hard disk drive at $11,103 compared with the TCO of a flash-based device at $2,990. This example takes into account initial costs, value of yearly costs with and without RMA, the effect of warranty expiration on this value and the number of disk-out occurrences, in which the disk becomes inoperable.

RMA and capital outlay as a result of warranty expiration are the biggest contributors to this difference.

Specific Flash-Based Data Storage Solutions

Since the first flash-based solid-state disks were introduced in 1995, they have been used successfully as replacements for hard disk drives by the military and aerospace industries. In addition, they have also been used in applications such as telecommunication and point-of-sale, which require the exceptional MTBF rates of solid-state disks based on their ability to withstand extreme shock, vibration and temperature ranges.

Msystems’ mModule uDOC, previously called the uDiskOnChip, is a plug-in data storage solution targeted at the management module in Tier 1 blade servers (Figure 2). It merges the USB 2.0 high-speed interface with industry-standard flash drives for embedded systems.

The uDOC’s power consumption for read/ write is 100 mA (typ), while its suspend rates are less than 500 µA. It provides capacities ranging from 32 Mbytes to 4 Gbytes and achieves read rates as high as 20 Mbytes/s and write rates of up to 10 Mbytes/s.

The mSSD SATA 2.5-in. solid-state disk is a drop-in hard disk drive replacement that supports the SATA 1.5 Gbit/s interface (Figure 3). It is available in capacities ranging from 1 Gbyte to 128 Gbytes.

Fully compatible with the SATA 1.0a interface with the highest reliability and operating MTBF, typical power consumption rates depend on the capacity. It provides more than 5,000,000 write/erase cycles, TrueFFS dynamic and static wear-leveling and bad block management, garbage collection and 10 years of data retention.

As blade servers continue to move into the mainstream, their extremely compact architecture has introduced new design challenges, most critically, much higher

Msystems Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 470-4440. [www.Msystems.com].

November 2006

17

TechnologyInContext Server Blades

Will ATCA Bring Order Out of Chaos for Blade Servers?

Although proprietary form-factors have long dominated blade servers, ATCA has moved from the drawing board into real products that are drawing strong interest from telecom equipment manufacturers.

by A lan Percy AudioCodes

Ad Index Get Connected with technology and companies providing solutions now

Get Connected is a new resource for further exploration into products, technologies and companies. Whether your goal T managers and telecommunication soa range of proprietary oftenspeak incomis to research the latest datasheet from aand company, directly with an Application Engineer, or jump to a company's page, the lutions architects have long recognized patible form-factors, which technical have caused goal of Get Connected putvendor you in touch with theMeanwhile, right resource. the advantages of blade form-factor confusionis to and lock-in.

Whichever level of service you require for whatever type of technology, servers. As a result, a significant Get number thewill AdvancedTCA (ATCA) architecture, Connected help you connect with the companies and products of vendors has jumped into the fray with as for. defined by PICMG, has finally moved you are searching

I

their own blade server offerings. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected from the drawing board to real products Unfortunately, this has resulted in that are gaining the interest of leading

telecommunication equipment manufacturers (TEMs). Will ATCA be confined to the central office or will it impact the blade server market by invading the data center?

A Chaotic Environment

Blade servers were created in order to reduce the multiplicity of servers in the data center, each used to run a different application. By squeezing an entire Get Connected with technology and companies providing solutions now server onto a compact blade form-factor Get Connected is a new resource for further exploration into products, technologies and companies. Whether your goal is to research t and moving all the common networking, datasheet from a company, speak directly with an Application Engineer, or jump to a company's technical page, the goal of Get Connect and hardware into in touch with the right resource. Whichever level of service you require storage for whatever type management of technology, a you common chassis, Get Connected will help you connect with the companies and products are searching for. what used to take up an entire room could now fit in one 19-in. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected rack (Figure 1).

In the rush to stake out their ground in the growing blade server market, each of the major players launched its own product offering, including the IBM BladeCenter, the Sun Fire Blade Server, the HP BladeSystem, Intel Blade Servers and the Dell PowerEdge.

Since each server vendor chose to cre-

Products

Get Connected with companies and Figure 1 18

products featured in this section. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected The central office environment.

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November 2006 Get Connected with companies mentioned in this www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

TechnologyInContext

Figure 2

ATCA chassis showing a mix of interface and computing blades.

ate its own version of a blade server based on incompatible form-factors, backplanes and interfaces, the result was a new form of chaos. Because of the lack of interoperability, items such as upgrades, spares and replacement parts all had to be ordered from the original vendor, locking in users for the life of the equipment.

Telecommunications Applications

Meanwhile, the telecommunications market had been going through its own rebirth. The major TEMs, such as Nortel, Lucent and Siemens, were attempting to figure out how to create the next generation of telecommunications services. Their challenge was to develop new applications without having to invest any more in proprietary platforms of the past. Initially, standards-based CompactPCI platforms seemed like a good match, offering mechanical packaging that was compatible with the environment and operations of a central office.

However, because of power and space limitations, the compute density

can be mechanically more complex than its commercial blade server cousins. As a result, many in the industry feel, even today, that ATCA will always be significantly more expensive than any of the commercial blade server offerings.

It seems that unless something changes, ATCA will be relegated to the central office and the blade servers will own the data center.

But one has to wonder what would it take for ATCA to become the common ground that could service both the data center market and the telecom server markets.

The blade server market is so splintered that even a reasonable level of market adoption of a standards-based platform such as ATCA would be able to capture a meaningful percentage of the data center market. With a meaningful market share, the price gap between ATCA-based blade servers and proprietary blade servers would narrow and the volume of ATCAbased products would grow as a result.

The Birth of AdvancedTCA

The Growing ATCA Community

To answer these needs, PICMG defined the PICMG 3.0 specification and labeled it “AdvancedTCA.” By leveraging the experience of CompactPCI equipment in telecommunications applications, but adding the density and management capabilities of the blade server industry, ATCA was born.

AdvancedTCA offers a mechanical design similar to that of the offerings from the blade server platforms, facilitating higher CPU density and the interface technologies needed for telecom applications (Figure 2).

However, niche telecommunication platforms will never approach the production volumes that commercial data center equipment does, and ATCA equipment

Vendor

Product

Processor Blades

Chassis

Management Modules and Accessories

Intel

NetStructure

Yes

Yes

Yes

Motorola

Avantellis and Centellis

Yes

Yes

Yes

Sun

Netra CT900

Yes

Yes

Yes

HP

Bc2100

Yes

Yes

Yes

Kontron

AT8001

Yes

Yes

Yes

Table 1

20

of CompactPCI was far behind what was needed in the commercial server world.

To bring their enhanced applications to market, TEMs would need far more computing density and a number of other infrastructure improvements.

The TEMs began to wonder whether the proprietary blade server platforms could be adapted to meet the needs of advanced telecommunications applications.

The answer was a firm “maybe.” For pure compute applications, these blade servers could provide the needed compute density. But many of them did not meet the rigorous mechanical and electrical requirements in the Network Equipment Building System (NEBS) specifications and did not offer telecom network interface capabilities.

Meeting the strict NEBS specifications and having access to blades that enabled connections to a range of telecommunications network interfaces was important to bring their applications to life.

Clearly, it was time for a new platform.

November 2006

The seeds of this change may have already been planted. During the last year, leading server vendors have taken the plunge and are now offering a range of ATCA processor blades, chassis, management modules and accessories.

By offering ATCA blades, this community of vendors has recognized the need for advanced computing in the central office, quickly adapting their experience from proprietary form-factor blade servers into high-performance compute platforms. It seems that the ATCA blade server market has reached the critical tipping point and the door is open for real competition to occur.

ATCA in the Data Center?

If blade servers can flourish in the data center, then with some adjustments ATCA can too. Many of the core capabilities for use as a blade server outside of the central office are inherent in ATCA. These include space-saving blade architecture, modular design, hot-swap capability, remote management, high-speed network interfaces, and plenty of power and cooling to accommodate high-performance processors.

But there is always room for improve-

TechnologyInContext

An Alternative Solution

Figure 3

AudioCodes’ ATCA media gateway blade.

ment. Several changes would make ATCA even more attractive for applications outside the central office, such as additional lower-cost CPU blade options that can address the mid-tier markets. Many of the current blades are at the high end and use costly bleeding-edge CPUs. An option or two without the mechanically complex AdvancedTCA Mezzanine Card (AMC) slots would be a good start.

Also needed is a greater selection of 120 VAC data-center-ready chassis. Redundancy and other high-availability options are overkill for many applications.

A collection of low-cost blades to provide the all-important CDROM and spinning storage resources are required. Finally, a simple and standard approach to dealing with standard keyboard/video/mouse interfaces is needed.

One important advantage ATCA has today is its diversity of telecom and data network interfaces. A growing range of special interface blades that can terminate digital telephone circuits (T1/E1 or T3) or optical data circuits (OC3 and OC12) is now available for ATCA (Figure 3). As advanced converged applications become more common, these interfaces will become important for the data center market. Hosted applications including contact center, conferencing/collaboration and unified messaging depend on access to a wide range of network interfaces.

Pulling the Plug on Blade Servers?

It would be easy to think that by offering an ATCA platform to the market a server vendor might be sacrificing its existing blade servers, but this does not yet seem to be the case. Only Sun has abandoned its proprietary blade server and adopted ATCA as a future blade form-factor.

Existing blade server offerings are still a better fit in the enterprise. With greater availability and lower costs of ownership, many of the blade server platforms will be around for quite some time.

Adoption of ATCA outside of telecom will likely take a year or two for a number of reasons. First, there’s the newness factor. AdvancedTCA is still very new and the market has yet to be educated. Just learning the terminology scares away some people. Then there’s pricing. The price differential between blade servers and ATCA servers is fairly significant.

However, as volumes and competition increase, the price gap should narrow.

There are several applications for which existing blade servers are very well suited. Using ATCA in these applications could be overkill. Finally, there’s the specification as a moving target. A few refinements in the ATCA specification continue to cause changes. One of the positive aspects of buying proprietary form-factors is the fact that change is usually well managed.

While the momentum seems to be building around ATCA in a range of diverse IT, embedded and telecom applications, IBM has taken a very different tack to broaden the appeal of its BladeCenter platform.

By introducing the BladeCenterT, IBM has made it clear that it is willing to undergo the changes needed to extend the total addressable market for its BladeCenter platform to include telecom applications. Extensive mechanical enhancements to the chassis, power supplies and cooling have yielded a fully NEBS-compliant server platform that will fit nicely into the central office.

In addition, IBM has targeted the telecom market and made significant strategic investments to market and sell BladeCenter as an alternative to other blade servers and ATCA. One of the real advantages of the IBM BladeCenterT is that both the enterprise and telecom versions use the same server blades. This combines volumes from both the enterprise and telecom markets, thus reducing costs and simplifying the product line.

IBM has also opened up its platform and offered the specification as a standard through the Blade.org group organized by the IEEE. A significant list of hardware and software vendors is collaborating on BladeCenter platforms and solutions.

While the future of ATCA in central office applications seems to be assured, with some moderate adjustments and product re-positioning, it seems that ATCA may be able to bring order out of the chaos of the current blade server market.

AudioCodes USA Blades Business Line Somerset, NJ. (732) 469-0880. [www.audiocodes.com].

November 2006

21

d

SolutionsEngineering AMC

Ruggedizing MicroTCA: Going Beyond the Central Office The use of AMC and MicroTCA in communications edge applications will drive economies of scale that will also make them attractive to the defense and aerospace markets through ruggedization, making them also useful for commercial rugged applications.

by W illie Coffey and Bob Trufford, Motorola and Bob Sullivan, Hybricon

T

he Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) is a small form-factor, hot-swappable module supporting high-speed serial fabric interconnect. Originally developed for PICMG AdvancedTCA platforms, AMCs were intended for communications applications, as a means to provide finergrain I/O or processing scalability.

The recently ratified Micro Telecommunications Computing Architecture (MicroTCA) specification leverages this proven AMC form-factor and management infrastructure. MicroTCA defines a family of small, low-cost, mpanies providing solutions now flexible, high-bandwidth and highly scalable platforms oration into products, technologies and companies.

Whethercomprised your goal is to research the latest entirely modules. lication Engineer, or jumpof to aAMC company's technical page, the goal of Get Connected is to put you vice you require for whatever technology, With type the of ink barely dry on the ies and products you are searching for.

MicroTCA specification, ideas are already in progress to broaden the adoption of the technology into applications beyond 19inch rack packaging and telecom central office environments. Analogous to the penetration of VMEbus technology into multiple markets, ruggedized adaptations of the AMC and MicroTCA specifications for the defense and aerospace markets will spread adoption of these technologies into other harsh environments.

Figure 1 COTS AMCs can provide

exploration er your goal peak directly al page, the t resource. chnology, and products

End of Article Get Connected

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22

November 2006 Get Connected with companies mentioned in this article. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

the infrastructure in aircooled ruggedized MicroTCA platforms.

Example applications of rugged MicroTCA platforms include industrial automation equipment, outside plant (OSP) for telecommunications base stations and access devices, and high shock and vibration uses such as commercial vehicles, in addition to defense and aerospace applications.

Rugged, Open COTS

Certain trends are evident in today’s defense and aerospace markets, which will initially drive the need for ruggedized versions of these next-generation components and platforms. Firstly, there is the migration to open standards-based commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies, and secondly, there is an emerging transition to a network-centric paradigm.

The impetus for the migration to open standards-based COTS technologies is simple—economics and time-to-market.

Adoption of COTS can reduce program development costs and schedules, and improve interoperability. A network-centric architecture based on open standards will exert significant pressure for replacement of closed, proprietary elements, many of which exist at the edges of military networks where conditions are the harshest.

The adoption of COTS requires the integration of open standards-based COTS subsystems on many different mobile

Emerson. Consider It Solved is a trademark and Business-Critical Continuity, Emerson Network Power and the Emerson Network Power logo are trademarks and service marks of Emerson Electric Co. ©2006 Emerson Electric Co.

Advancing the Power of Embedded Computing Emerson Network Power’s new Embedded Computing business is anchored by recently acquired Artesyn Communication Products. It enhances Emerson’s global capabilities to offer more comprehensive, highly integrated and reliable platform solutions.

Artesyn Communication Products’ rebranding as Emerson Network Power’s Embedded Computing business builds on the company’s innovative work in the open architecture telecom platform industry.

The formation makes it possible for telecom equipment manufacturers (TEMs) and network equipment providers (NEPs) to reduce their development cost and time to market.

The new business will offer telecom components, blades, software and systems to equipment markets in a broad range of telecom infrastructure applications, including network access, soft switches, signaling systems, and media gateways. These products, based on industry standards make it easier for TEMs and NEPs to outsource their platform design and focus precious engineering resources on value-added applications and services.

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SolutionsEngineering platforms into a high-performance network. It will also require ruggedizing these platforms for the defense/aerospace environment.

For solution providers in these markets, developing proprietary subsystems and seamlessly integrating them into multiple mobile platforms is a daunting task, requiring significant investment of time and money. However, open standards-based COTS technologies are often not designed to operate in many military environments.

AMC and MicroTCA Enter the Mix

Many defense solution providers and prime contractors are interested in deploying platforms based on open PICMG specifications, specifically AMC and MicroTCA. This interest is fueled by the bandwidth, management and flexibility potential provided by these platforms.

As an open standards-based off-theshelf technology, MicroTCA has a number of limitations for use in defense/aerospace environments. These include: • Shock and vibration tolerance • EMI/EMC emissions and immunity • Operating temperature ranges • Power input and conditioning Figure 2

Hybricon’s Ruggedized MicroTCA ATR Chassis uses COTS, telecom-grade AMCs.

Environmental Class

Cooling Method

NonOperating Temperature Class

Temperature Cycling Class

EAC1

AC1

C1

C1

EAC2

AC2

C2

C2

AC3

C3

C3

AC1

C1

C1

AC2

C2

C2

EAC6

AC3

C3

C3

ECC1

CC1

C1

C1

CC2

C2

C2

EAC3 EAC4

Forced Air-cooled

EAC5

ECC2 ECC3

Conductioncooled

CC3

C3

C3

ECC4

CC4

C4

C4

ELC1

LC1

C1

C1

LC2

C2

C2

ELC2 ELC3

Liquid FlowThrough Cooled

ELC4 Table 1

24

Operating Temperature Class

November 2006

LC3

C3

C3

LC4

C4

C4

Vibration Class

Operating Shock

V1 ~ 2G (0.04g2 / Hz, 5 to 100 Hz) 20g V2 ~8G (0.04g2 / Hz, 100 to 1000 Hz)

V3 ~12G (0.1g2 / Hz, 100 to 1000 Hz)

40g

To allow AMCs and MicroTCA to become viable COTS technologies for all functional elements of the defense and aerospace architectures, ruggedization efforts must begin now. To that end, Hybricon and Motorola have teamed to develop a ruggedized version of Motorola’s first commercial MicroTCA platform, for use as a development and design-in vehicle for rugged applications.

In addition, Motorola and Hybricon have formed a Rugged MicroTCA Special Interest Group (SIG), comprised of several industry participants. The Rugged MicroTCA SIG is in the process of developing proposed draft specifications for rugged MicroTCA. These rugged-centric specifications build on, and as much as possible remain compliant with, the telecom-centric base specifications, AMC.0 and MicroTCA.0.

The ultimate goals of this effort are that COTS AMCs and MicroTCA-specific modules (MCH, PM) can be installed unmodified into ruggedized, air-cooled enclosures for more benign rugged environments.

Alternatively, they may be mechanically converted for conduction cooling, with no change to the printed wiring board (PWB),

SolutionsEngineering components or edge connectors, and integrated in a conduction-cooled rack/enclosure for harsher environments.

How Rugged Is Rugged?

To establish a baseline for precisely how much vibration, shock, temperature, etc. a mobile platform should be expected to survive, adoption of the environmental requirements from the ANSI/VITA 47 standard is being proposed. This standard applies specifically to “plug-in units,” but may be applied somewhat more generally to the combination of a plug-in unit and the connector, subrack and enclosure into which it is installed. ANSI/VITA 47 draws from MIL-STD-810-F, considered the authority for military environmental testing, and specifies many of the test procedures therein as a means to verify compliance. It is, however, intended to address the potential environmental requirements of virtually any commercial, defense or aerospace application.

ANSI/VITA 47 specifies multiple environmental “classes,” each consisting of a set of subclasses related to specific environmental conditions, as illustrated in Table 1.

A wide variety of defense, aerospace, commercial and telecom rugged applications can be addressed with modules and platforms that meet the requirements of the EAC1 or EAC4 (air-cooled) classifications.

Here, air-cooled platforms are expected to provide an operating temperature range of 0°C to +55°C (subclass AC1), immunity to random vibration of ~2g (subclass V1) or ~8g (subclass V2), and immunity to shock

LinuxScope™ JTD (JTAG Target Debugger) Figure 3

MicroTCA subrack subassembly is shock mounted in Hybricon’s Ruggedized ATR chassis.

up to 20g for 11 msec. More stringent environmental classes such as EAC2 and EAC5 extend the minimum operating temperature to -40°C; this can be accomplished with chassis level heater provisions or with extended temperature range cards (Figure 1).

Air-Cooled, Rugged COTS MicroTCA

The MicroTCA.0 specification defines a number of possible chassis formfactors, but does not preclude alternatives, as long as the platform can accommodate and air-cool (or heat if necessary) a standard AMC module—one that is compliant to the PICMG AMC.0 specification—and standard MicroTCA-specific modules,

for the Eclipse ™ IDE that has been optimized for use with Abatron's BDI2000 BDM/JTAG probe.

J T A G T A R G E T D E B U G G E R

Features • Designed to debug BDM/JTAG targets with the Abatron BDI2000 BDM/JTAG Probe • Integrated flash utility to simplify flash burning process • Allows creation of custom scripts to perform special target operations • Designed to allow Linux kernel debugging • Easy mechanism to modify and view hardware registers • Enhanced MI interface adds hardware breakpoint awareness into Eclipse™ • Quick setup allows you to be up and debugging your target in minutes • Eclipse™ based IDE and plug-in available - allows you to standardize your tools into one platform • Standard debug features: View/Modify memory, view disassembly, track watch points, view variable, and view stack • Plug-in updates bringing even more features and enhancements

10 Clever Lane · Tewksbury, MA 01876 Toll Free: 866.455.3383 Ph: 978-455.3383 Fax: 978.926.3091 Email: info@ultsol.com Figure 4

Preliminary concept of conduction-cooled, compact AMC.

www.ultsol.com November 2006

25

SolutionsEngineering such as the MicroTCA Carrier Hub (MCH) and Power Module (PM).

This has allowed Hybricon to develop a ruggedized MicroTCA Air Transport Rack (ATR) chassis designed to meet ANSI/VITA 47 EAC1 or EAC4 requirements (Figures 2 and 3). This chassis leverages the backplane interconnect and module payload specifications of a commercial MicroTCA platform being developed by Motorola. The rugged platform also goes a step further to accommodate double-width modules. This ruggedized ATR platform remains compliant with the specification and addresses many of the limitations of commercial MicroTCA for d1

1

defense applications: • Innovative locking bars firmly retain the MicroTCA cards into the card cage, providing significant additional resistance to shock and vibration.

• The ruggedized ATR chassis has a shock-isolated MicroTCA card cage that attenuates the level of shock and vibration at the MicroTCA cards. This, coupled with module locking, allows the chassis to meet ANSI/VITA 47 class V1 and V2 shock and vibration requirements.

• A secondary EMI barrier, in addition to aggressive power line filtering, allow the ruggedized chassis to meet

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November 2006

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stringent MIL-STD-461 EMI/EMC requirements.

• Military circular-style I/O connectors allow the chassis to meet military ruggedization requirements for external connectors.

• Military power supply front-end converters allow the ruggedized chassis to utilize COTS MicroTCA power modules, yet meet specific military power supply requirements such as MIL-STD704 aircraft power or MIL-STD-1275 vehicle power.

The actual operating temperature range of this platform is limited by the specifications of the AMC and MicroTCA cards that are used for a particular application. It is, however, designed to provide sufficient airflow for virtually any module that is rated up to 55°C, with sufficient mass flow rate for operation at 10,000 ft.

Extended Temperature and Vibration

As the current MicroTCA.0 specification only requires immunity to sinusoidal vibration, testing is in process now by connector manufacturers to determine the maximum ANSI/VITA 47 vibration and shock classifications that single and double AMC modules and connector assemblies can withstand, within MicroTCA.0-compliant subracks.

Also, neither the AMC.0 nor MicroTCA 1.0 specifications require an AMC to be anything other than air-cooled, nor to operate above roughly 60°C ambient (55°C + 5°C margins).

Existing COTS AMC or MicroTCA modules are unlikely to survive EAC3 or EAC6, the hottest air-cooled classes of operation (+70°C) without modification, but extended temperature range versions could be developed. Testing will verify whether air-cooled double modules can meet the V2 vibration class required by EAC4/5/6, but this is likely to require chassis-level shock and vibration isolation.

More demanding applications could be addressed with conduction-cooled modules and platforms that meet the requirements of the ANSI/VITA 47 ECCn classifications, which must provide class V3 vibration immunity of ~12g, and shock up to 40g for 11 msec. ECC2 thru ECC4 specify maximum operating temperatures from +55°C thru +85°C. Besides reducing platform complexity

SolutionsEngineering and increasing reliability by doing without mechanical fans and allowing higher operating temperatures, conduction cooling has been a popular choice in this application space for several other reasons. For one thing, conduction-cooled modules include a rugged frame with wedge locks that provide a robust mechanical connection to the chassis. Due to these features, conduction-cooled modules can survive in environments with higher levels of shock and vibration. Secondly, rugged applications often encounter sand, dust, salt, fog and condensing humidity that can be problematic for air-cooled assemblies. Conduction cooling allows the modules to be isolated from the external environment since air is not flowing over them.

Thus, it is very desirable to develop specifications for conduction-cooled versions of AMCs and MicroTCA-specific modules (MCH and PM), along with conduction-cooled racks and enclosures (most likely AMC.n and/or MicroTCA.n). These specifications should reference ANSI/VITA 47 for the requirement levels and test procedures.

The objective is to allow conversion to conduction-cooled modules without changing the underlying PWB, thus remaining compliant with the current specifications for PCB form-factor and edge connectors.

Existing AMC and MicroTCA module designs must be leveraged to prevent fragmentation of the ecosystem.

Figure 4 illustrates the addition of conduction cladding to COTS AMC modules.

It is expected that most AMCs in production today can be adapted without PWB modification to conduction cooling. However, future modules could be designed to make better use of this cooling method by selecting extended temperature components, and moving thermally sensitive components toward the module’s edge and closer to the thermal transfer surfaces. This has the added benefit of locating these typically higher-mass components near the card guides where the mechanical support provided by the module and chassis is highest.

Due to the width of the required heat transfer surface (cooling frame), conduction-cooled modules would not fit in standard MicroTCA subracks. However, a conduction-cooled chassis could support the same 3HP, 4HP and 6HP pitch options, as these are primarily driven by the height of the module’s component envelope. Further,

retaining standard pitch allows both aircooled and conduction-cooled platforms to employ the same backplane.

The focus of research to date has been on cooling and physical mounting.

More work is needed to develop front panel and latch designs that leverage the LED and hot-swap switch placement of existing modules, while paying attention to the human factor issues unique to harsh environments (such as gloved hands).

Similar approaches are anticipated for conduction-cooled power modules as

well as single and multi-mezzanine MCH modules.

Motorola Embedded Communications Computing Tempe, AZ. (800) 759-1107. [www.motorola.com/computing].

Hybricon Ayer, MA. (978) 772-5422. [www.hybricon.com].

November 2006

27

SolutionsEngineering AMC

MicroTCA Cubes Provide Scalability in Modular Systems The MicroTCA Cube packaging option provides some unique capabilities to permit system designers to build systems serving both very large-scale and very small-scale applications.

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by C harles C. Beyers Lucent Technologies

O

ne of the most daunting challenges large array of Cubes using the same basic Get Connected technology and of very facing designers of modular elec- companies building block towith fulfill the needs providing solutions now tronic systems is scalability—the large-scale systems. This approach allows Get Connected is a new resource for further exploration ability to economically produce both into the designer to complete the design, products, technologies and companies.

Whethermanuyour goal very large and very small systems with facturing and test work once, butdirectly still is to research the latest datasheet from only a company, speak an Application Engineer, or jump wider to a company's technical the a common set of building blocks.withUsing serves a much market scopepage, than goal of Get Connected is to put you in touch with the right resource.

MicroTCA Cubes, it is possible to design previously possible. Users of these highly Whichever level of service you require for whatever type of technology, a small, configurable, modular Get element scalable freedom to Connected will help systems you connecthave with thegreat companies and products that serves the complete needs ofyousmalladd are searching for.very small increments in capacity by www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected scale systems, and then instantiate a adding additional MicroTCA Cubes as

Figure 1

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their system load increases over time. This approach to scalability can have significant total lifecycle cost advantages.

Modular platforms can serve as the basis for many different applications. These include telecommunications network applications in the core network, transport or access areas, datacenter and enterprise computing applications, industrial, scientific and medical computing, and military/ government systems. Most of these application possibilities share a need for wide scalMicroTCA Virtual Carrier Power Module #N ability. For example, a telecommunications MicroTCA Carrier Hub (MCH) #2 Power Module #2 network element could be an IP PBX supMicroTCA Carrier Hub (MCH) #1 Power Module #1 porting a few lines on the small end, and Get Connected with technology and companies providing solutions now a major central office serving hundreds of MCMC Payload Management Get Connected is a new resource for further exploration into products, technologies and companies. Whether your goal is to research t thousands of subscribers on the large end.

Power Power datasheet from a company, speak directly with an Application Engineer, or jump to a company's technical page, the goal of Get Connect Converter Converter may need a few CPUs for for whatever servers type of technology, Common Fat in touch with the right resource. Whichever level of service you require Compute Get Connected will help you connect with the companies and productsa you are searching for. modest application, or many thousand for Options Pipe Power EMMC Fabric www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected Fabric a major E-Commerce or scientific computControl ing installation. Routers scale from a small workgroup to tens of terabits of aggregate Backplane Interconnect capacity.

The traditional approach to building a product portfolio that spans these wide ranges of scalability involves building several different systems, each optimized to serve a portion of the scalability continuum. Multiple architectures were necessary

Get Connected with companies and Block diagram of a typical MicroTCA system, including up to 12 products featured in this section.

AdvancedMCs, www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected MicroTCA Carrier Hubs (MCHs) and Power Modules (PMs), along with backplane interconnect and cooling.

End of Article Get Connected

with companies mentioned in this article. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

November 2006 Get Connected with companies mentioned in this www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

A Compute Blade This Powerful Deserves A Cape.

The CPC5564 64-Bit AMD Opteron™ Single Board Computer The CPC5564 is the world's most powerful PICMG® 2.16 compute blade, and the first to be based on single- and dual-core AMD Opteron™ processors. The AMD Opteron™ processor provides a highly scalable x86 architecture that delivers next-generation performance as well as a flexible upgrade path from 32- to 64-bit computing. Its multi-core architecture offers advanced processing speed while reducing heat and power consumption.

With up to 8GB of ECC memory, multiple storage options and Linux, Solaris™ and Windows® operating system support, the CPC5564 is an ideal computer for high-end packet processing or multi-threaded software environments found in wireless, softswitch and defense applications.

Is it the superhero of the compute world? We like to think so.

Learn more at:

www.pt.com/sbc

AMC AMC

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because systems with high capacity were too costly in smaller scale deployments, and smaller scale systems lacked the ability to grow to higher capacities.

Some types of small systems have been deployed in large arrays to serve the high end of scalability with some degree of success (for example 1U rack servers), but there are usually compromises in the cost and serviceability of such systems.

It is wasteful to design, manufacture, test, stock and support all the components of multiple unrelated systems. System implementers want to save development, manufacturing and inventory costs by exploiting common platforms where a small set of building blocks are used in many different applications. Being able to use different numbers of identical building blocks to build systems of different capacities is important to scalability.

However, traditional platform strategies have limits beyond which these common building blocks can’t successfully be assembled.

For example, on the low end of the scalability continuum, it may not be possible to utilize all the slots in a large modular shelf like AdvancedTCA, and that wastes money. Similarly, at the high end, there may not be enough system resources like interconnect bandwidth or cooling capacity to equip all of the elements needed.

What is needed, then, is an architecture that permits a common set of modular platform building blocks to be grown in a sequential or recursive fashion from a very small system capacity to a capacity larger than the most demanding applications would require. This goal has proven elusive.

30

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SolutionsEngineering

November 2006

Scaling System Capacity Using MicroTCA Cubes

Fortunately, with the introduction of MicroTCA, and particularly the Cube packaging option, it is feasible to construct highly scalable systems. A single MicroTCA Cube is physically small, with a modest capacity of up to 12 AdvancedMCs. This capacity is a good match for many smaller scale applications. However, to build large systems, Cubes can be configured in a multi-level hierarchy that permits dozens or even hundreds of Cubes to be interconnected in a single logical system with thousands of AdvancedMCs. With careful design, the basic Cube mechanical packages can all be identical (at least in their external mechanics), as are the modules that populate them, regardless of their position in the hierarchy.

Like all MicroTCA systems, Cubes consist of up to twelve AdvancedMCs (of various form-factors), one or two MicroTCA Carrier Hubs (MCHs), between one and four Power Modules (PMs), and a chassis that has the mechanical support components, backplane and provisions for cooling. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a typical MicroTCA system.

The main functional components of a MicroTCA system are the AdvancedMCs. There are six different form-factors described in the current draft AdvancedMC specification (PICMG AMC.0 R2.0).

These include three different thickness options (Compact, Mid-Sized and FullSized) and two module widths (Single and Double). Cubes will make the most use of Full-Sized Single Module and Mid-Size Single Module AdvancedMCs, which have a maximum power dissipation of 48W and

30W respectively. These AdvancedMCs can host many functions, including CPUs, DSP farms, packet processors, storage devices and various types of I/O interfaces.

Since they have 0.4” smaller component height, the mid-size form-factor permits the incorporation of more AdvancedMCs in a given volume, however, their smaller power dissipation and component height restrictions can limit their use.

Besides the AdvancedMCs, MicroTCA Cubes also require one or two MCHs to serve as the central hubs of the dual star backplane. Each MCH has enough interconnect fabric and shelf management capability to support a community of 12 AdvancedMCs. Common interconnect formats include Gigabit Ethernet and 10Gig Ethernet, however, the MicroTCA and AdvancedMC specifications also support PCI Express, RapidIO and storage interfaces.

This discussion focuses on Ethernet fabrics on the MCH. Two MCHs provide fabric-level redundancy when it is required, however, systems that use multiple Cubes in parallel have an alternative: using simplex MCHs and providing redundancy by switching to redundant Cubes should any element of an active Cube fail.

Power modules convert the input energy source (typically AC mains or -48 VDC) into the 12V payload power and 3.3V management power required by the AdvancedMCs and MCHs. High power, fully redundant MicroTCA systems often require four PMs in a 3+1 redundancy configuration. Cubes, being a smaller scale packaging, typically use only one PM (if simplex is acceptable, or redundancy is at the Cube level) or two PMs for 1+1 redundancy within a Cube. Approximately 500W is required to operate the Cubes discussed below, which is just within the capabilities of a single state-of-the-art PM. Figure 2 shows two configuration options for MicroTCA Cubes. Although their AdvancedMC count and duplication scheme is very different, both have exactly the same external dimensions: approximately 150 mm high x 150 mm wide x 200 mm deep (about 6” x 6” x 8”). The Cube on the left has simplex common elements, including only one MCH and one 500W PM. It also includes the maximum complement of twelve Mid-Size Single Module (MSSM) AdvancedMCs. Applications of this Cube include massively parallel banks of processors, access I/O, or media storage.

Applications for Single Cubes

Now, let’s investigate some ways to use these two basic Cube designs in highly scalable systems. For the low end of the scalability spectrum, single Cubes are all that is required. To create a deployable system, the subrack designs shown in Figure 1

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These applications can tolerate the failure of any AdvancedMC, MCH or PM by deleting the entire faulty Cube from service and switching in a redundant Cube.

The Cube on the right uses a more traditional fault tolerance approach. It contains a duplex pair of MCHs, two PMs running in an active/standby configuration, and six of the Full-Size Single Module (FSSM) AdvancedMCs. Typical applications for this design include central control, backbone I/O, or routing functions that require active fault tolerance. Also, note that the MCHs in this design only connect to six AdvancedMCs each. To avoid wasting half of the expensive fabric resources on these MCHs, the first six AdvancedMC ports are connected as usual, and the remaining six ports connect to the extended options regions of the same AdvancedMCs, effectively doubling their available backplane bandwidth.

The simplex Cube can host a large number of telecom and data network functions. Twelve AdvancedMCs, each with a dual-core processor and appropriate memory, permit up to 24 CPU cores in a single Cube. By replacing the CPU AdvancedMCs with ten disk drives and two disk controllers, a storage pool with a capacity of one to two Terabytes (using current disk technologies) results. The same Cube design, equipped with subscriber line termination AdvancedMCs, could serve a few hundred broadband access lines (DSL, FttH, Cable Modem Termination, or Wi-MAX).

The fully duplicated Cube serves a slightly different set of applications, those that require higher degrees of fault tolerance, those that need to preserve state during faults, or those terminating duplicated facilities. Duplicated Cubes support duplicated uplink facilities, such as dual 10G Ethernets off their pair of MCHs. They can also support larger control CPUs (with higher power dissipation and more memory) in their full-size AdvancedMC slots.

In this model, duplex Cubes support fewer AdvancedMCs than simplex Cubes, but the AdvancedMCs are fully redundant and capable of higher power dissipation.

MSSM MSSM MSSM MSSM MSSM MSSM

SolutionsEngineering

AMC AMC AMC AMC AMC AMC

A MicroTCA shelf-level system including eight Simplex Cubes, one Duplicated Cube, cable management and a shared cooling subsystem, all integrated into a single rackmounted enclosure.

simply need to be wrapped in an external enclosure that provides cooling fans and physical protection. In a pure processing application with modest availability requirements, the simplex Cube could contain twelve Mid-Size Single Module AdvancedMCs, each including a dual-core CPU chip and associated memory and peripherals (24 cores total). A complete dual-core CPU complex should just fit in the 30W power limit of this form-factor if it uses one of the emerging low-power dual-core CPUs that are on the horizon.

In addition, the single MCH provides the control and interconnect functions needed for these CPUs, and the single power module produces the approximately 500W needed to drive the AdvancedMCs, and the MCH. A router is an example application for the duplex Cube. Duplicated MCHs

and duplicated 500W PMs provide the required infrastructure for this Cube. The six Full-Size Single Module AdvancedMCs each contain a network processor and a complement of Ethernet interfaces. Considering the available faceplate area for connectors, the power envelope, and the availability of the necessary packet processing hardware, this I/O AdvancedMC could have up to eight Gigabit Ethernet ports (either electrical or optical) or a 10G Ethernet. All six AdvancedMCs provide I/O capabilities of up to 48 ports, or up to 60 Gbits of packet throughput per Cube.

This is an excellent match for the needs of many workgroup LANs.

Applications for Cube Array Shelves

Next, we can create a two-dimensional array of these same Cubes to November 2006

31

SolutionsEngineering

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A very high-capacity system, consisting of eight 9-Cube shelves integrated into three frames, sharing a single AdvancedTCA-based high-level fabric.

provide higher capacity systems. Shelflevel packaging supports a 3 x 3 array of any mix of these Cubes, along with the shared cooling infrastructure, mechanical support structures and cable management needed to support them (Figure 3). This example includes eight of the simplex Cubes around its perimeter, and one of the duplex Cubes in the center acting as a “super fabric,” which interconnects the fabrics from the eight simplex MCHs into a single large network. The super fabric Cube also includes duplicated shelf control processors that hold all the critical state information, and act as a centralized task distributor. If the eight simplex Cubes all contain the 12 dual-core processor AdvancedMCs as shown above, 192 CPU cores are simultaneously active in this architecture. If one of the simplex Cubes fails (say because its MCH fails) the array only looses 12% of it throughput.

The same architecture could also contain a mix of different Cube types. For example, if four Cubes are equipped with 32

November 2006

access interfaces, and the remaining Cubes include CPUs, DSPs, storage and optical trunk I/O, the system could serve the complete, triple play telecommunications needs of up to 1,000 broadband subscribers. Duplex Cubes could provide some critical functions (like the control and uplink trunks), while other functions (like access line units) could fit simplex Cubes.

The basic form-factor of the Cube can also accommodate functions that don’t map well to MicroTCA, or don’t necessarily use AdvancedMCs, MCHs or PMs. For example, the 6” x 6” x 8” form-factor could contain RF amplifier/filters for wireless base stations, high-power motor drivers for robotics, or specialized electronics for other industrial, medical, or military applications. The ability to plug these functions seamlessly into the array can provide some very interesting packaging options for parts of systems that otherwise would not fit MicroTCA.

Finally, another level of the packaging hierarchy can propel the design to even higher levels of capacity. A two-dimensional array of these nine Cube shelves in a 3 x 3 array spanning three full frames, provides an additional order of magnitude of scaling. As shown in Figure 4, the super fabric Cubes (labeled SF) in each of the eight Cube shelves around the perimeter of the design are interconnected via a “super-super” fabric located in the central shelf. Because of the potential bandwidth of several terabits processed by the super-super fabric, it may need to be implemented as a 3 x 3 array of duplex Cubes all mutually interconnected in a mesh, or alternatively as an AdvancedTCA full mesh shelf, as illustrated here.

Making reasonable assumptions about the capacity and power dissipation of future chips, if all 64 of the simplex Cubes in this architecture are completely populated with dual-core processor AdvancedMCs, the total CPU capacity of this large array is 1536 CPU cores. If the eight perimeter shelves are equipped as shown in the triple play example, these three frames supply about 8,000 subscribers’ complete broadband telecommunications needs.

This represents about an order of magnitude volumetric density increase over traditional central office equipment.

The Cube can function as a common element in systems that scale in capacity over at least two orders of magnitude. It is well balanced in terms of modularity, physical size, interconnect bandwidth and cooling capacity. Cubes can be packaged as stand-alone devices supporting 12 AdvancedMCs, or as an array of Cubes in a shelf supporting approximately 100 AdvancedMCs per Cube shelf, or as an array of Cube shelves supporting on the order of 1,000 AdvancedMCs. Most interesting applications in telecommunications and data networking (as well as industrial, medical, scientific, or military applications) should fit well somewhere along this packaging hierarchy.

Lucent Technologies Murray Hill, NJ. (908) 582-3000. [www.lucent.com].

Do Over?

FAST-FORWARD YOUR PROJECT WITH WINDOWS EMBEDDED. New devices mean new challenges. Speed your design to market with end-toend development tools backed by the long-term commitment of Microsoft ® and the support of the global Windows® Embedded partner community.

See how CoroWare reduced development hours by more than 60% vs. Linux at microsoft.com/embedded © 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, the Windows logo, and “Your potential. Our passion.” are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Done.

SolutionsEngineering AMC

MicroTCA.0 Spec Adapts and Extends PICMG Hardware Platform Management MicroTCA is a new architecture, with definite differences from existing ATCA and AMC platform management approaches. Still, the management architecture preserves compatibility for overall system managers that need to manage MicroTCA shelves along with ATCA shelves, while including significant differences for inside-the-shelf management.

by M ark Overgaard Pigeon Point Systems

d

exploration her your goal peak directly al page, the t resource. chnology, and products

T

he entire MicroTCA architecture was built around a key ground rule: MicroTCA Must Work With AMC.0-compliant AdvancedMC Modules. This ground rule is essential to preserve the potential for AMC modules to be used in either an ATCA carrier board Bused IPMB-O or a MicroTCA “carrier”—essentially a subrack for AMCs to plug directly into a backplane, plus all the necessary supportIsolated IPMB-L ing resources, such as power, managempanies providing solutions now ment, interconnect fabrics and cooling. oration into products, technologies and companies. Whether your goal is to research the latest While there undoubtedly will be AMC plication Engineer, or jump to a company's technical page, the goal of Get Connected is to put you focused for use in one or vice you requiremodules for whateverthat typeare of technology, nies and products youother are searching for. environments, the goal the of these MMC of the MicroTCA initiative is to encourage an ecosystem of modules that could be used in either context.

These management issues affect two kinds of AMC/MicroTCA “carriers.” One is an ATCA board that includes connectors for adding AMC cards defined by the AMC.0 specification. The other is a MicroTCA chassis with a backplane that acup to 21 fabric lanes cepts up to 12 ATC modules as defined by

Radial Enable

Radial Presence

AdvancedMC [1 ... 12]

End of Article Get Connected

Figure 1

with companies mentioned in this article. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

34

November 2006 Get Connected with companies mentioned in this article. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

AMC.0-compliant AMCs operate in either MicroTCA or ATCA carriers, via interfaces that are equivalent by design. Each includes a module management controller (MMC).

SolutionsEngineering

the MicroTCA.0 specification. On the management front, this ground rule means that MicroTCA carriers must provide the following for each AMC slot: • An Intelligent Platform Management Bus-Local (IPMB-L) interface for platform management interactions with the module. The module is required by both specifications to be isolatable so that faults on IPMB-L to one module don’t have to affect the IPMB-L connection to other modules.

• A presence signal to indicate to the carrier (be it an ATCA carrier card with AMC connectors or a MicroTCA backplane chassis) that a module has been inserted in a slot.

• An enable signal to allow the carrier to release the module management controller (MMC) on the module from reset when a module is inserted in a slot and ready to have platform management activated.

Figure 1 shows these key management interfaces of an AMC module. The additional interface shown at the bottom of the module represents as many as 21 highspeed fabric ports that can be implemented on each AMC. As indicated in the figure, AMCs do not connect to the dual redundant IPMB-0 that plays a role in both ATCA and MicroTCA. Each MicroTCA carrier can handle up to 12 AMC modules.

On an ATCA carrier, the carrier IPMC provides local management for the AMC slots it implements and represents any installed AMC modules to the shelf manager over the dual redundant IPMB-0. How are these responsibilities handled in MicroTCA?

MicroTCA Carrier Manager

The carrier manager handles most of these responsibilities in MicroTCA. It interacts over IPMB-L with the AMC modules and represents them to the MicroTCA shelf manager. In addition, however, the carrier manager represents and interacts with the enhanced module management controllers (EMMCs) of MicroTCA-specific module types, including power modules, cooling units and OEM modules. These interactions occur

Carrier FRU Info [1 ... 2]

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[1 ... 2] I2C Radial Enable Radial Presence Bused IPMB-O Isolated IPMB-L

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Figure 2

MicroTCA Carrier Hubs implement management for a carrier and possibly for an entire MicroTCA shelf.

over an intra-carrier IPMB-0 that is functionally equivalent to ATCA’s IPMB-0.

A carrier manager is one of the MicroTCA management components that reside on or interact with a MicroTCA carrier hub (MCH) module. MicroTCA MCHs provide the key management and interconnect facilities of a MicroTCA carrier. For instance, an MCH can include up to 84 lanes of fabric switch facilities, servicing the fabric needs of the installed AMC modules. MCHs can also be

implemented on a redundant basis, in which case the fabrics are likely organized as a dual star. Even if dual MCHs are implemented, at any given time there is only a single carrier manager to represent the carrier, and all the resources it hosts, to upper level management.

The final management component that is always implemented on an MCH is the MicroTCA carrier management controller (MCMC), which provides local management for the MCH. An MCMC November 2006

35

SolutionsEngineering

MicroTCA Shelf Manager

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Figure 3

MicroTCA Power Modules (up to four of them) detect module presence in a carrier and enable management on present modules as directed.

handles, for instance, E-Keying of the fabrics on its MCH and implements any MCH management sensors, such as the required temperature sensors. The MCMC also uses I2C to access a carrier FRU Info device (typically an I2C SEEPROM) to gather management information about the carrier. This information indicates, for instance, what module slots the carrier implements and, for the AMC and MCH

slots, what fabric connections the carrier backplane implements.

In a redundant MCH configuration, each MCH implements one MCMC. In that case, the single carrier manager works with both MCMCs for matters concerning their respective MCHs, such as their temperature sensors or fabric resources. Figure 2 shows these resources, along with the MicroTCA shelf manager component.

Potential Pigeon Point Sites System Manager

1) Shelf Managers Shelfspecific ShMM Running Pigeon Point carrier Shelf Manager ShMM 500 BMR Add-in

Carrier FRU Info [1 ... 2]

Shelf Manager [1 ... 2]

Running Pigeon Point µShelf Manager

2) Module Management Controllersvariants for AMCs, MCHs, CUs and PMs BMR Controllers Running Pigeon Point Reference BMR firmware Designs

I2C

Carrier Manager

Shelf Manager MicroTCA Carrier Hub [1 ... 2]

Figure 4

36

MMC

AdvancedMC [1 ... 12]

µTCA-Defined Modules Shelf Manager Carrier Manager Module Management Controller (MMC, EMMC, MCMC) Carrier FRU Info Device

Enable Presence Bused IPMB-O

Radial IPMB-L MCMC

AdvancedMC (AMC) Module

EMMC

Cooling Unit [1 ... 2]

EMMC

Power Module [1 ... 4]

The management architecture of MicroTCA provides a direct deployment framework for AMC modules, implemented on a modular basis.

November 2006

MicroTCA Shelf Manager is either local to or remote from the MCH. Both options are shown in Figure 2. A local MicroTCA Shelf Manager is implemented on the MCH directly. In this case, the specification allows the shelf-carrier manager interface to be private. Alternatively, a remote MicroTCA shelf manager is implemented in some off-MCH way. In this case, the shelf-carrier manager interface is required to be based on the Remote Management Control Protocol (RMCP, as defined

by IPMI) and implemented over UDP. Figure 2 doesn’t attempt to represent any of the wide range of implementation choices for a remote MicroTCA shelf manager, but to name just two, it could execute inside a carrier on one or a pair of redundant AMC modules, or even on some processor that is outside the MicroTCA shelf altogether. In either case, the shelf manager communicates with the carrier manager over some IP-capable fabric, typically Ethernet.

As with ATCA, the MicroTCA shelf manager is responsible for representing the MicroTCA shelf to an upper level system manager (not shown in Figure 2). However, the detailed responsibilities of a MicroTCA shelf manager are significantly different from those of an ATCA Shelf Manager.

While the MicroTCA shelf manager retains responsibility for supervising the cooling of the entire shelf, it doesn’t get involved with power allocations or E-Keying, among other things. Both of those missions are the responsibility of the MicroTCA carrier manager.

A MicroTCA shelf may have up to 16 MicroTCA carriers—implying an upper limit of 16x12 or 192 (!) AMC modules— plus all the support modules of those carriers as well. For a multi-carrier shelf, the shelf-carrier manager interface is logically equivalent to ATCA’s in-shelf IPMB-0, since it provides access for the shelf manager to all the carrier managers and the modules that each of them represent.

When it comes to how MicroTCA systems are powered, again, there are big contrasts from the way in which AMCs on an ATCA carrier board are powered. In the ATCA case, the carrier is fully responsible for providing power to the modules it hosts, based on the power budget is has been allocated by the shelf manager.

SolutionsEngineering

MicroTCA Power Architecture

MicroTCA power modules (PMs) represent a fundamentally different approach to power than is used for the AMC modules on an ATCA carrier, and necessarily so.

MicroTCA power modules are (as the name suggests) distinct physical elements that can come from a different vendor than any of the other components of a MicroTCA carrier. This requires a substantial architecture defining how they interact with the other elements of the carrier. In contrast, the power subsystem of an ATCA carrier is entirely defined by the carrier implementer, following the ATCA.0 specification, except where it connects to the specification-defined AMC interfaces.

MicroTCA power modules can be redundant, which means that one of the PMs in a MicroTCA carrier can be designated to back up the other one to three PMs. If any one of the primary PMs fail, the redundant PM will automatically (and under direct hardware control) take over the load of the failed PM. On an ATCA carrier, in contrast, if the power subsystem fails, the entire carrier is considered to have failed and all its responsibilities must be transferred to some other entity (perhaps a backup carrier).

Local management for each PM is handled by an EMMC that coordinates with the carrier manager over the intra-carrier IPMB-0. Some functions of the carrier manager can only be accomplished with the assistance of the PMs in the carrier. For instance, the PMs sense and control the radial presence and enable signals that respectively indicate 1) that a module is occupying a slot and 2) that the management controller on the module should be released from reset. For each of these signals, 1-n lines connect to the PM, depending on the number of slots in the backplane. Figure 3 shows the key management interfaces of a MicroTCA power module, including its responsibility for the radial presence and its ability to enable signals of its assigned modules.

Controling Cooling Units via Carrier Manager

The final key element of a MicroTCA carrier is one or two cooling units (CUs). A CU’s local management is also handled by an EMMC, which communicates with the carrier manager over IPMB-0. Just like an AMC module, a CU has a presence output and an enable input, which are handled by its assigned PM.

A CU implements the same set of fan control commands that are defined for ATCA fan trays. Unlike PMs, however, the effects of a Cooling Unit can extend beyond its home MicroTCA carrier. For instance, if multiple carriers are stacked vertically in a shelf, cooling units at the bottom of the stack may be responsible for cooling all of them.

Because of this potential inter-carrier role, the control of CUs is the responsibility of the shelf manager, not the carrier manager.

A carrier manager forwards commands to its CUs, but does not have a management role with respect to them. The configuration data for a MicroTCA shelf details the modules that each CU cools so that the shelf manager can appropriately adjust the fan level for the right CU when a module needs more or less cooling. Figure 4 shows how CUs fit into the management framework for MicroTCA, along with the other elements discussed above.

Just as for ATCA, implementation of the various management controllers for MicroTCA (as shown in Figure 4) is a serious engineering project. The hardware platform management section of the MicroTCA.0 specification is 110 pages long and it leans

heavily on the corresponding sections in the ATCA and AMC.0 specifications, which account for another 285 pages of dense requirements and guidance.

For most builders of MicroTCA products, it is far preferable to make use of an existing hardware plus software solution for these mandatory controllers, compared to implementing them from scratch.

Pigeon Point provides such solutions, not only for MicroTCA, but for the corresponding ATCA- and AMC-defined controllers as well. Using such solutions allows a product developer to focus on their own value adds, rather than spending time on the mandatory management facilities.

As shown in Figure 4, Pigeon Point offers solutions for AMC MMCs, plus MicroTCA EMMCs and MCMCs (including a MicroCarrier Manager that executes on the MCMC hardware).

Pigeon Point Systems Scotts Valley, CA. (831) 438-1565. [www.pigeonpoint.com].

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IndustryInsight Remote Monitoring and Maintenance

Remote Monitoring Technologies Improve Efficiencies, ROI Although determining the best remote monitoring solution depends largely on the application, device servers provide several clear advantages.

by R ahul Shah Lantronix

d

exploration er your goal peak directly al page, the t resource. chnology, and products

A

t its most basic, remote monitoring technology enables different Serial Tunneling types of equipment, including embedded systems, to work together and to be managed from anywhere at any time.

Beyond the obvious machine-to-machine connections it provides, the technology adds value to existing operational and network equipment, instantly increasing the ROI of a company’s network technology.

When a device or equipment OEM incormpanies providing solutions now porates remote networking capabilities, oration into products, technologies and companies. Whether your goal is to research the latest it orcan the development entirely plication Engineer, jumpenable to a company's technical page, of the goal of Get Connected is to put you services. vice you require new for whatever type of technology, nies and products you Remote are searching for. service solutions also enable support providers to better manage large, distributed customer bases with fewer resources, since remote capability limits or reduces the need for on-site technicians.

Remote Monitoring Delivers Greater Efficiencies

Many of applications stand to benefit End Article from the technologies that enable remote

monitoring. These include security, mediGet Connected

with companies mentioned in this article. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

38

Device Server

Ethernet Serial

Figure 1

Serial tunneling allows serial data to be transferred over an Ethernet network from one serial device to another, effectively allowing a seamless communication channel between devices.

cal and healthcare, industrial automation, building automation, IT/data centers and power and utilities.

A plethora of technologies are avail-

November 2006 Get Connected with companies mentioned in this article. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

TCP/IP Internet

able to meet each application’s unique requirements for remote monitoring. Device server solutions enable devices to serve Web pages displaying performance and

IndustryInsight

diagnostic information over an Ethernet connection. Remote management software solutions are a cost-effective method for managing servers remotely. Management appliances integrate equipment connected by console servers, keyboard/video/mouse (KVM) switches and remote power management systems.

Console servers are network-independent hardware devices that provide low-level redundant management access to multiple servers simultaneously by connecting to out-of-band serial ports. KVM solutions provide remote server monitoring and graphical user interface (GUI) control of Windows servers.

Although each of these solutions can be successfully applied for remote monitoring, the most widely adopted technology is device servers. These provide the ability to manage virtually any electronic device over a network or the Internet.

Whether embedded or external, wired or wireless, device servers can extend the life of equipment and provide an unprecedented level of efficiency and business intelligence while ensuring that both device and data are secure.

Remote Monitoring and Device Servers

A device server can be described as specialized, network-based hardware that is designed to perform a single function, or a specialized set of functions, with client access independent of operating systems or proprietary protocols.

One major advantage of device servers is that they can be easily connected to a serial RS-232 or RS-485 interface.

Serial devices are connected to a device server, which allows each attached device to communicate with a remote location over a network or the Internet just as if they were locally connected by a serial cable. Utilizing serial tunneling, the device server encapsulates serial data into TCP or UDP packets and then transports this data over the network. The data is then available to the remote location via a standard Web browser for remote diagnostics and overall control of attached equipment (Figure 1).

Optional General Purpose PIOs

Reset PIC MicroController

TX

Wireless Device Networking Solution

RX

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Figure 2

Lantronix solutions provide complete end-to-end security, ensuring that data commutations are secure at both ends of the transmission.

Certain features should always be considered when looking for a device server that will provide suitable remote power management. These include simple setup and configuration, customization options, robust security, communication port redirection, Web services and technical support.

The technology chosen should also provide an intuitive, point-and-click GUI that makes it easy to customize the device server. A Web-based interface is essential for remote monitoring to allow access from any location using a Web browser.

Wireless Remote Monitoring

Wireless networking has become a highly reliable and secure solution for connecting a variety of devices in situations where physical wired connections are impractical or impossible. Examples include medical equipment connected to a hospital patient moving from room to room or forklifts operating in harsh environments. The added flexibility and lack of expensive wiring can lead to a faster and lower-cost remote management system deployment that effectively leverages existing assets.

Today, wireless technology can be implemented quickly, especially in older

buildings where the construction of walls and ceilings make traditional networks difficult or even impossible to install.

However, embedding wireless into an existing design does come with its own special considerations. Implementing a wireless solution requires knowledge of the various Wi-Fi standards. Chipsets and drivers may be difficult to integrate and a strong understanding of RF and TCP/IP networking, among other technologies, is necessary. In addition, FCC certification is required.

Wireless device servers can solve these problems by taking the complexity out of RF design. They provide a complete, integrated solution for easily embedding 802.11 b/g technology by fully supporting TCP/IP, and by providing an RTOS, a fullfeatured protocol stack and a built-in Web server for device communications and configuration via a standard browser.

Security and Connectivity

As network connectivity has become central to emerging technologies, so too is the increasing need for security. There is a growing vulnerability and risk of attack on private or confidential information accessed via remote monitoring.

One of the best and most popular November 2006

39

IndustryInsight ing service, this solution could be easily adapted to changing requirements. Other benefits include timely access to data about water, gas and electricity consumption, which has improved customer participation levels.

Emerging Technologies

Figure 3

The Lantronix UDS1100 device server delivers remote command and control of existing equipment.

ways to protect data is by incorporating encryption. Encryption algorithms use a string of bits known as a “key” to perform calculations. The larger the key (the more bits it contains), the greater the number of potential combinations that can be created, thus making it harder to break the code and unscramble the contents. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) provides some of the highest levels of security available and has become a popular choice in embedded systems because it can run on very low-level hardware and often can be implemented in less than 64 Kbytes of code space.

Although encryption is effective in protecting data, it can create challenges to developers who face limited system resources such as memory, processing power and battery life. Encryption algorithms should be selected based on the amount of security that is needed, in conjunction with the amount of memory and processing power at the developer’s disposal.

Encryption is not the only part of the overall security solution. Authentication, hardened operating systems, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Secure Shell (SSH) and other security measures must also be considered and implemented where appropriate (Figure 2).

Device Servers Provide Security and Remote Management for Municipal Utilities

Real-time energy management can be a challenge for municipal utilities. For 40

November 2006

example, getting data in real time was crucial to changing the City of Palo Alto, California’s system so that intelligent demand reduction programs could be implemented. These would be based upon immediate information from energy meters that gather data about water, gas and electricity consumption.

The City needed a solution for connecting its energy meters so that data could be shared without using thousands of independent phone lines. Its existing dial-up telephone line system was costly and had associated service difficulties. Automated Energy, which develops strategies for improved energy consumption management, selected Lantronix’s UDS1100 as a device networking solution (Figure 3).

This compact device server can be used as a modem replacement to provide a quick, simple and cost-effective way to bring data accessibility and remote management to equipment not currently connected to a network. Using serial tunneling, the UDS product line encapsulates serial data into packets and transports it over Ethernet.

With this combined solution, the City could successfully implement a robust and reliable channel of data communications that can potentially eliminate meter reporting issues commonly due to communications errors and problems with phone lines.

In addition, the solution eliminated the costs of dedicated phone lines and costs related to managing those phone lines. By preserving the existing meter and network infrastructure and simplify-

As more devices are added to a remote monitoring network, the next logical step is the integration of device networks with enterprise networks, making attached equipment fully functioning enterprise members of the corporate IT infrastructure. However, before this can happen, it is increasingly necessary for these devices to be equipped with a certain level of intelligence so they can operate more autonomously.

Since it is not cost-effective or practical for humans to monitor all equipment, especially those at the network edge, technology has evolved accordingly to keep up with the growing demand to network, access, collect and process data from connected equipment. To make this “edgeto-enterprise” network a reality, devices must operate with the same standards and protocols as traditional networking equipment found in the IT data center such as servers, routers and switches.

New device server technologies have emerged to offer advanced functionality and design-in ease. These solutions go beyond simple network connectivity to deliver an enterprise-grade, programmable device computing and embedded networking platform. They offer standardsbased device computing and networking capabilities, such as Extensible Markup Language (XML), Real Simple Syndication (RSS) or enterprise-grade security, thus making networks scalable by adding device intelligence and policy-making capabilities at the network edge.

Determining the best remote monitoring solution depends largely on the application, although device server technology is a clear leader. Choosing the right solution and robust networking technology will enable OEMs to meet their unique remote monitoring needs.

Lantronix Irvine, CA. (800) 526-8764. [www.lantronix.com].

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IndustryInsight Remote Monitoring and Maintenance

Wireless Remote Device Networking Has Arrived The rapid evolution of wireless networking in all forms has changed the remote device monitoring landscape in just the past year. In particular, cellular 3G networks are easing management of remote sites and devices.

by J ason Sprayberry Digi International

d

exploration er your goal peak directly al page, the t resource. chnology, and products

I

n recent years, the need for companies to more efficiently manage their remote assets has been recognized by cellular gateway manufacturers and wireless carriers. Commercial-grade wireless wide area network (WAN) routers have been introduced that make it possible to connect to remote equipment and monitor its status using cellular connections. Although bandwidth limitations have prevented the Figure 1 The Digi ConnectPort WAN VPN is an upgradeable, commercial-grade 3G realization of wireless connectivity’s true mpanies providing solutions now cellular router that provides secure high-speed wireless connectivity to potential, this is now changing: the future oration into products, technologies and companies. Whether your goal is to research the latestremote sites and devices. promise remotetechnical devicepage, management lication Engineer, or jump to of a company's the goal of Get Connected is to put you finallytype become reality.

Network enhancements expected to Wireless Technology Enables vice you require has for whatever of technology, ies and products you Because are searchingoffor.recent advancements in roll out over the next year include EVDO Remote Monitoring wireless WAN (WWAN) technology, the Rev A and High-Speed Uplink Packet AcThe issues encountered in remote paradigm for remote device management cess (HSUPA), which will deliver upload site networking are considerably different is dramatically different than it was only speeds more symmetrical to download from those encountered in local networks. a year ago. During this time, cellular car- speeds. With the introduction of these Obstacles that arise include network reliriers have released high-speed cellular much faster networks that enable both ability, network protection, IP addressing, third-generation (3G) networks. These in- high download and upload speeds, and and equipment deployment and mainteclude Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO) through advancements in cellular gateway nance. Recent advances in wireless techand High-Speed Downlink Packet Access technology, organizations can for the first nology have helped to change this situa(HSDPA) networks, which provide down- time find a true replacement for broad- tion. Companies can now manage their load speeds averaging 400 to 800 Kbits/s. band wireline connections. These new remote assets with far less difficulty. high-speed wireless networks will be able Because of reduced prices for wireto provide the same levels of speed and less airtime, network coverage expansion, Get Connected with companies mentioned in this article. security associated with a wireline net- dramatically increased network speeds— www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected work and often a cost savings. both download and upload—greater

End of Article

42

November 2006 Get Connected with companies mentioned in this article. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

IndustryInsight

Cellular Networks Evolve

Wireless carriers can be divided into two network technology categories: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Both GSM and CDMA coverage are available in the U.S. GSM is the dominant global standard for wireless communications, representing more than 80% of the world’s digital subscribers.

CDMA is delivered primarily in North America and Latin America.

The big three carriers in the U.S. are

Central Monitoring Station

Internet/ Frame Relay

Router

Telco Network

Ethernet

56k Leased Line

reliability and advances in wireless modem/gateway technology, WWAN data solutions now exist that make it easier to manage remote sites and devices, especially by utilizing remote cellular networks.

These solutions enable several types of changes. Equipment that is not traditionally considered “network-able” can now be networked, such as point-of-sale and ATM machines, traffic and utilities substation devices, pipelines and tank farms. In addition, a truly diverse, wireless, backup network alternative to landline connections can be created for remote sites and devices. If a landline-based primary or backup network connection is lost—due to interference from weather or a wire cut caused by construction, for example—critical data can continue to flow through the cellular connection. Outof-band management of routers, firewalls and servers can also be performed.

Challenges that can now be addressed include network reliability, network protection, firewall traversal, IP addressing, equipment maintenance and device deployment, configuration, updates, maintenance and replacement. Enterprise-class remote device management to groups of remote IP devices can be achieved.

Finally, a wireless network can be made more “wire-like.” Although cellular networks are typically less predictable than wired networks because of their higher latency and metered connections, advancements in remote device management have created the necessary adjustments that let wireless networks behave more like typical wireline networks.

Primary Network

Backup Network

Ethernet Router

Digi Connect WAN

Ethernet

Intrusion Detection System

Figure 2

Intrusion Detection Company

A fail-safe communication path can be created via a cellular backup connection. The Digi Connect WAN cellular router uses GSM or CDMA cellular data networks if the telephone line linking the intrusion detection system to the central monitoring station goes down.

Cingular (GSM), Sprint (CDMA) and Verizon (CDMA). They began with data networks that were suitable for phones, PDAs and other consumer devices. Now they are deploying larger, faster, more secure networks suitable for enterprise-class applications.

CDMA networks have evolved into high-speed EVDO networks, which are currently at Rev 0 where high-speed download speeds are available but upload

is still relatively slow. The next migration is to EVDO Rev A, which promises to provide both high download and upload speeds, enabling for the first time a truly wireless broadband connection (Table 1).

The first high-speed data network was Cingular’s Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), with modest download speeds of up to 130 Kbits/s. However, its new Universal Telecommunications System (UMTS)/HSDPA network will November 2006

43

IndustryInsight For example, Digi International offers the ConnectPort WAN VPN, a highGSM CDMA speed, hardened, 3G commercial-grade download upload download upload router that provides secure wireless communications over cellular networks 2.5G 70-130 20-60 50-70 50-70 for connecting remote sites and devices 50-70* 3G 400-700† 150-250†† 400-800 300-400** (Figure 1). It features an embedded fourport Ethernet switch, two RS-232 serial †Based on HSDPA *Based on EvDO Rev 0 ports and a USB port so many different ††Based on HSUPA ** Based on EvDO Rev A kinds of devices can connect to a central feature speeds similar to its competitors’ site using a single wireless connection.

EVDO networks.

The router is completely upgradeable via Cellular data connections are paid an embedded PCI Express or Type 2 PCfor by the byte, known as a “pay as you MCIA interface to provide maximum flexgo,” or metered, connection. Unlike voice, ibility for future network upgrades. which is charged by the minute, data programs are sold by the byte in “buckets” Remote Devices Get Smarter, of megabytes. To compete with wired Secure networks, carriers are beginning to offer As the demand for remote device manplans with connections that allow large agement solutions grows, device manufacamounts of data to be communicated over turers are offering products that can more the network. easily be connected via a WWAN connecAnother move to compete with wired tion. More intelligent devices are required networks consists of unlimited “megabyte and equipment manufacturers are optimizdata” plans. While carriers previously of- ing network data transfers so devices can fered data plans only in smaller “buckets,” communicate more by sending less infornow they are offering larger megabyte mation. data plans for commercial applications Most Ethernet devices equipped with that are more cost-effective. an Ethernet port are designed with a wireSpeeds of cellular networks are typi- line connection in mind and with low excally slower than broadband wireline con- pectations for latency but high expectanections, but they are becoming faster tions for bandwidth. However, as devices and more widely available. The new high- are being used more commonly over mespeed EVDO and HSDPA networks with tered, pay-by-the-byte connections, device symmetrical up/down speeds have made vendors have begun to make changes. wireless an alternative to wired for many First, they are reducing the amount of high-speed data networking applications. traffic over the connection. To reduce overhead, applications may use more efficient Wireless WAN Enablers handling of protocols. For example, they Modems are a common solution for may offer the option to communicate via connecting remote devices. However, UDP, a protocol with much less overhead because wireless connections are much than TCP. Devices can also more effecmore complex than wired connections, tively use application-layer protocols like traditional “dumb” modems are not ap- Modbus, common in industrial solutions, propriate. Instead, advancements in cellu- to make fewer trips in an over-the-air conlar gateway technology, such as persistent nection by more intelligently understandconnections and other intelligence built ing the protocol utilized. into WWAN routers, are helping to overThe other major changes are in uncome the obstacles associated with com- solicited communications. Many devices plex wireless connections. were created to operate within a master/ Commercial-grade solutions offer slave communications structure, in which flexibility and feature the built-in intelli- the remote device simply listens and only gence of a cellular router, firewall, switch, responds when spoken to. This means the VPN appliance and terminal server in one more real-time the data must be, the more device. These devices should offer the often the remote device must be polled. flexibility to upgrade to different networks New protocols such as DNP, used in utility as they evolve. applications, provide a means of commuAverage Wireless Bandwidth (Speeds in Kbps)

44

November 2006

nicating only at pre-determined intervals or when a problem arises.

Security is a common concern when considering wireless for remote device management. Carriers offer a high level of built-in encryption, such as options for creating a dedicated private connection into the carrier. This type of connection allows all of the wireless devices to appear as if they were on the customer’s own private network. Some cellular router manufacturers offer virtual private network (VPN) capabilities using IPSec or SSL protocols, allowing the creation of end-to-end secure connections using standard security protocols, even across public networks.

Managing Wireless WAN Connections

Although managing remote devices wirelessly has numerous advantages and creates tremendous efficiencies, it must be done carefully. Some solutions include enterprise-class remote device management software packages, which should include features that allow several important capabilities.

Ideally, the package should install on a Windows server and provide access to devices from anywhere using a Web browser.

Remote devices should be able to “phone home” to the head office, so public IP is not needed for management. Device connection status, IP address, connection history, hostname, device type and location, for example, should all be accessible.

Devices should be monitorable via email or SNMP for conditions such as excessive data usage, disconnected cables and reduced signal strength. Troubleshooting remote devices should be possible using a connection history stored in the Microsoft SQL database.

It should be possible to configure a device remotely by creating logical device groups for easier asset tracking. The software should also include a Dynamic DNS feature that integrates with a DNS server to map a hostname to a device for dynamic IP public applications.

Wireless WANs and Parachute Networking

Wireless connections are also being used for tasks such as backup network connectivity. When a disruption in service occurs that causes a primary wireline to go

IndustryInsight down, the backup landline is also likely to fail. Wireless WAN solutions can provide an alternative path for maintaining information flow during service disruptions (Figure 2).

In addition, “parachute networking” uses cellular gateways to navigate around someone else’s network to access device information without the help of an outside IT department. Because most organizations’ guidelines regarding network security are typically tight, it is next to impossible for a company to access its own remote equipment located within someone else’s network.

By using a cellular gateway to “parachute” in to that equipment and communicate directly with it, companies can easily connect to and monitor their own remote assets.

For example, Nalco, a provider of integrated water treatment and process improvement services, chemicals and equipment, deployed a controller that optimizes cooling system stress and needed to connect to its controller inside of its customer’s network. The controller measures key system parameters and communicates appropriate corrective action via an Internet connection to Nalco’s central server.

Nalco normally connects to its controller through the customer’s network, but the customer had security reservations about Nalco doing so. To overcome this obstacle, Nalco used a cellular router to create a secure Internet connection across the cellular network. This allowed the controller to connect to the central server while bypassing network security.

The Future of Wireless for Remote Device Management

Mesh networking, including the ZigBee standard, will become the status quo for connecting devices via local networks. ZigBee is a low-cost, low-power standard that allows devices to talk to each other over a non-wired connection with built-in self-healing in case one network node fails. These local device networks will still need to “phone home” through a network connection.

Cellular is a reliable means of extending a WAN to remote sites and devices because it is easy, more flexible and cost-effective. Cellular speeds will continue to get faster until the lines between Wi-Fi and cellular blur.

Wi-Fi is being implemented on a much larger scale, including in many cities throughout the U.S. that are rolling out 802.11g networks

to entire metro areas. For example, metro area communities in Colorado are working together to create one of the nation’s largest regional Wi-Fi networks. The Colorado Wireless Communities Network would blanket 10 Denver metro-area cities, covering about 220 square miles and more than 600,000 people.

In addition, WiMax continues to gain momentum with its very high-speed wireless bandwidth and promise of covering large areas. This standards-based

technology enables the delivery of lastmile wireless broadband access as an alternative to wired broadband services such as cable and DSL. Digi International Minnetonka, MN. (877) 912-3444. [www.digi.com].

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November 2006

45

Executive Interview

“More and more functionality in less space.”

RTC Interviews Jerry Winfield, President of WinSystems

exploration er your goal eak directly l page, the resource. chnology, and products

WinSystems president Jerry Winfield (r) with vice president Bob Burkle (l).

RTC: While sales of VME and cPCI computer does not provide all the needed have been virtually flat-to-down for functionality, a system can have addithe past two to three years, PC/104, tional I/O expansion by simply plugging PC/104-Plus and their derivatives more cards together in a piggyback fashhave led all other bus architectures in ion without requiring a card cage. Low growth having a CAGR close to 20% to cost, low power, multiple processor op25%. Overall, the embedded computer tions, a diversified and worldwide group industry boasts growth, in the 15% to of board manufacturers, an active indus20% growth range. To what do you attry standards Consortium, availability of panies providing solutions now tribute this dramatic gain of PC/104 in extended temperature boards, customer ration into products, technologies and companies. Whether your goal is to research the latest architecture using technology that’s familiarity ication Engineer,an or jump to a company's technical page, the goal of Get Connected is towith put youthe x86 architecture, and ice you require for whatever technology, closing intype onofbeing 10 years old? long-term availability of products are the es and products you are searching for. hallmark of PC/104.

Winfield: The reason that the PC/104 arEmbedded computers that are effecchitecture is still growing after 10 years tively the equivalent to a desktop PC have is that it fills a need for small, rugged, replaced some larger, more expensive embedded PCs for industrial applications. bus-based systems that have traditionally Embedded applications require more and been the realm of VME and CompactPCI. more functionality in less space. PC/104 While a traditional edge card-based PCI boards are small. Since they measure only product may work for some applications, 90 x 96 mm, it makes them an ideal size they do not meet the inherent reliability of and a good tradeoff for space vs. funca pin-and-socket connector. That is why tionality. Yet, if a PC/104 single board you will see embedded desktop PCs for certain industrial applications, but not MIL/COTS and other rugged areas. The Get Connected with companies mentioned in this article. “one size fits all” approach of using stanwww.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected dard PC technology may work for some,

End of Article

46

November 2006 Get Connected with companies mentioned in this article. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

but misses the mark for others.

The compact and incremental nature of using PC/104 SBCs and expansion modules has proven beneficial in a wide range of embedded applications including test equipment, medical instruments, communications devices, transportation systems, MIL/COTS, data loggers, security, robotics, semiconductor manufacturing instruments and industrial control systems. All of these industries continue to grow and all need embedded PCs. For many applications, PC/104 is and will continue to be the best solution. It seems clear to me that the number of applications that need to use this kind of technology will continue to grow.

RTC: COM Express has been getting its share of publicity recently. And, while it represents a slightly different approach to open modular systems, it is still judged by some as competitive with approaches such as PC/104, PC/104-Plus and especially EPIC and EPIC Express. How would you compare the design opportunities offered

ExecutiveInterview

by COM Express vis-a-vis EPIC? Does COM Express with the possible advantage of a fully customizable platform offer customers advantages, or does the flexibility, time-to-market and standardized product offerings of PC/104 and its family of standards still have an advantage?

Winfield: I don’t see PC/104, PC/104Plus or EPIC as direct competitors with COM Express.

Computer-on-Module

products like COM Express are typically for higher volume applications where the designer can benefit from implementing a custom I/O board. A COM module must be mounted on the baseboard for all additional I/O features and connections just like a large socketed component. However, a custom base board design requires an in-house design team or contract design for the development, which means added cost, more time and limited flexibility for new or additional requirements

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November 2006

(sometimes known as marketing “improvements”) for the applications. This expense must be amortized over a large volume of boards to be cost-effective.

On the other hand, most if not all of the functions can be realized on an EPIC board. EPIC I/O connectors are easily accessible and useable. Ample board space has been reserved to support a broad base of I/O along with PC/104 I/O module expansion as well. Multiple board expansion is not feasible with a Computer on Module approach, and a COM board does not have user-friendly access to its onboard I/O. Flexibility, time-to-market and standardized product offerings of EPIC boards plus its large selection of PC/104 expansion modules still have an advantage for low to moderate volumes (typically 1K5K/year or less).

If higher I/O bandwidth is an issue, then EPIC Express and its expansion boards are the solution. The reason for adding PCI Express (www.rtcmagazine. com/home/article.php?id=100410) was to provide a bridge to the future for EPIC, EBX and PC/104 while maintaining legacy support for the vast number of PC/104 expansion modules available worldwide.

RTC: Security still remains a top priority since 9/11 and new and creative systems evolve regularly ranging from biometric systems to new sensors for concealed weapons. We’ve seen PC/104 and PC/104-Plus in at least a handful of these types of systems ranging from driver’s license and passport scanners to fingerprint recognition devices. Do you envision more and better security systems taking advantage of the relatively low price and proven reliability and flexibility of PC/104 and derivatives? Can you give our readers some clue as to what they may be?

Winfield: Yes, we have been a part of this trend. With the capability of EPIC and PC/104 boards to work in extended temperature environments from -40° to +85°C, we are seeing many more systems being developed and deployed. They are small, low power, rugged and operate in a stand-alone environment with wired or wireless connectivity back to a central monitoring or alarm station. The envi-

ExecutiveInterview ronments can be land-based, land-mobile, airborne, river and/or ocean-based. Given the fact that they can be deployed into the field without need for heating or cooling, it opens up some interesting application areas. These include but are not limited to perimeter and intrusion security systems, bomb sniffers and luggage x-ray equipment, nuclear radiation monitoring equipment for cargo, and biohazard agent monitoring systems.

RTC: Over the past few years weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen unprecedented consolidation within the embedded computer community. Companies such as SBS made 11 acquisitions before it too was gobbled up by GE Fanuc. GE Fanuc also acquired RAMIX, VMIC, Computer Dynamics and Condor and is on its way to buy Radstone. Curtiss-Wright has similarly been on the acquisition trail as have several other companies including Mercury Computers and Kontron. However, outside of an acquisition by Kontron, the PC/104 companies have, by and large, retained their independence. According to the numbers we have, many of these companies are large and profitable. Why havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the larger predator companies gone after the likes of WinSystems, Diamond Systems, Versalogic and a host of others?

Winfield: Most all PC/104 companies are privately held by the founders. Since their key financial information is not available for review and analysis, it is difficult for potential strategic or financial buyers to accurately know the health of the company and its market segments. Nevertheless, all owners are aware of and receive overtures from time to time. The advantage of running a small company is the ability to rapidly make decisions and move forward on certain initiatives without being bogged down in endless meetings. I have worked at large companies where it is easier to sell the customer the product than to convince upper management into taking the risk of developing it. Private ownership allows great freedom and opportunity to impact a market by solving a customer need while also providing satisfying and rewarding opportunities for hard-working employees. Therefore, it is not just a question of

whether there is a buyer, but is there a willing seller?

I do not believe that market growth or lack of profitability is an issue. Most owners are still young and enjoy running a company. Quality of life, job satisfaction, customer and employee loyalty cannot just be valued in dollars. Given their strong entrepreneurial spirit, I believe that they will continue to lead their companies rather than cashing out at this time. But I am sure that

in the future consolidation will occur.

When it does, I believe that it will be able to strengthen the breadth and reach of these companies to better serve their customer base.

RTC: As you mentioned, there seem to be relatively few publicly held entities specializing in PC/104. Is this because relatively smaller firms are better equipped to handle the diverse needs of the customer base? Is this in part be-

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ExecutiveInterview

“I have worked at large companies where it is easier to sell the customer the product than to convince upper management into taking the risk of developing it.” cause the industry is still maturing?

Other?

Winfield: I agree that there are relatively few large publicly held companies that specialize in PC/104 boards. I believe that the reason is they don’t understand the market segment and are not nimble and responsive to its needs. Since most PC/104 companies are private, they don’t offer public insights into the market, financial and applications segments compared to public companies that are actively promoting investment in their company. Also, large companies want to focus on markets that are or have the potential to exceed a billion dollars. Consequently, you see entrepreneurial companies flourishing in this environment. As the market matures, perhaps this will change as the large public companies realize the opportunities available and the synergy with their other product lines.

RTC: The industrial control market has been overrun with PC technology reducing ASPs and making it a very tough and competitive market with relatively low margins. Will the market continue to erode this way, or will new technologies provide better solutions that will increase margins? Where do you see the largest growth in the industrial control, factory automations industry?

Winfield: The key for any vendor is to answer the value question. What is the value of my product to my customer? Different applications value features differently. If the application only needs a standard PC, then it may be the best solution for that design. However, that is not the market served by WinSystems. We target more rugged and environmentally stringent applications where a standard PC will not survive. This requires additional engineering to make sure that they will survive and work reliably for years.

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November 2006

Using PC-based technology is a mixed blessing. It brings well designed, technologically advanced parts at reasonable prices along with the drivers and applications software. It also has an environment that hardware, systems and software engineers are familiar with, the x86 architecture. The result is better product developed in a shorter period of time. I see the growth in industrial control and factory automation coming from the continued development of applications that need small PC-based products with real-world I/O and connectivity that will survive in harsh and rugged environments WinSystems has also invested heavily in the design and manufacturing of our boards. We did this for both cost and quality control reasons. We have two complete surface mount production lines along with the purchasing and product design, test and validation groups. Plus, we have a very talented and motivated workforce that is responsible for turning out the products. This allows us to run a lean organization focused on building highquality products that are cost-effective for our customers. By staying current on new technologies plus pioneering new markets and application areas, we do not forecast erosion of margins.

RTC: Recently we’ve been hearing more and more about “machine-to-machine” implementations. Could you give us a quick rundown on what is meant by the term and the kinds of application areas we are talking about here? How is PC/104 uniquely positioned to meet the needs and to support the kinds of basic technologies (processing, wireless communication, I/O, power, etc.) that are critical for systems with autonomously communicating units?

Winfield: At its heart, machine-to-machine (M2M) involves devices that can be connected to one another and com-

municate over a network. These wired or wireless communications offer the ability to send data and to receive data and simple command-and-control parameters over the network. Although communications have existed with these machines using SCADA and other telemetry links, now they can be linked with known industry-standard common infrastructure like wired Ethernet, wireless 802.11, ZigBee and cellular phone technology. Using these industry standards, M2M refers to a combination of machine connectivity, communications, and the software technology needed to attach machines to applications.

M2M turns data into information that companies can use and act upon. As a result, the industrial marketplace is placing a new focus on developing and deploying technologies and their services that will heighten interaction between machines, environments and end users. M2M applications include, but are not limited to, HVAC systems, pipelines, MIL/COTS and homeland security, remote monitoring and location, transportation, medical, test equipment and manufacturing/process control.

PC/104, EPIC and EBX technologies are uniquely positioned to take advantage of M2M either by allowing the technologies to be combined on one board or added a la carte. For the last five years all new WinSystems PC/104 SBCs have included a wired 10/100 Ethernet port. Since PC/104 boards are small, any different wired or wireless interface can easily be added with another module on the stack. Our larger EPIC and EBX cards also include a socket to support wireless 802.11. In fact WinSystems’ newest board, the LBC-GX, is an EBX-size SBC that supports wired and wireless Ethernet, GSM or CDMA cellular modem, POTS modem, ZigBee, six USB channels and six COM channels on a single board. This is a good development platform to evaluate the various communications options that are popular for M2M-based applications.

RTC: PC/104 and PC/104-Plus have managed to keep power budgets down while increasing performance for many generations through the use of low power, slower processors and clever de-

ExecutiveInterview sign. However, as products move to such standards as EPIC and EPIC Express, it would seem likely that higher performance applications are being targeted with attendant higher power budgets.

How do manufacturers of these systems and subsystems plan to deal with the higher power and thermal budgets? Are customers in the PC/104 arena looking for the highest processing power or do they have other priorities such as flexibility and reliability?

Winfield: All single board computer vendors that use x86-based chips are limited to three main semiconductor vendors: Intel, AMD and Via. Each vendor has established an embedded division to address the issue of low power and product longevity. They are keenly aware and are working on the issues of computing power vs. electrical power on current and future processor cores. As an SBC designer of PC/104, EPIC and EBX boards, we have multiple options that include selection of the processor, clever thermal designs and BIOS power-saving implementations for processors that support power management and speed stepping technology. One of the reasons for the design of EPIC was that the CPU was removed from under the PC/104 stack. This allows more air circulation as well as larger heat sink/fan options for cooling. Larger, more powerful processors can be supported without exceeding the operational temperature of the device.

An example of this is our latest board based upon an Intel Dothan processor.

When you compare two similar boards, the Intel device at 1 GHz draws typically 40% less current but offers a 250% better performance than a previous generation 1 GHz Via Eden processor that we used on an earlier design. This allows the board to be a fanless design that operates at extended temperature ranges. Also AMD offers the Geode line if less computing power is required. Since it is a slower clock speed, the power dissipation is lower as well. But, if you move away from the x86 architecture, then there are ARMbased processors that are very low power currently available on PC/104. However, you lose the advantage of the vast array of software operating systems, development tools and drivers.

As with any good engineering design there are multiple options that should be considered. However, some customers don’t need low power or extended temperature, they just want performance. For their applications, a fan and well designed heat sink will suffice.

RTC: PC/104 and its derivatives are used in a broad cross section of embedded computer applications. Despite the fact that there are somewhere in the area of 50+ vendors of PC/104 and related products, just about all appear to be prospering. And there seems to be little direct price competition. What is it that allows this many competitors to survive and prosper? Is it that there is so much business out there that competition isn’t felt? Does this mean that we can expect a continued dramatic expansion of this part of the industry?

Winfield: There is always price competition whether it is direct or indirect.

The key to all the vendors being able to participate and profit lies in the diversity of customers, their application base, and the value added by the individual manufacturer. Of course your prices must be in line, but often in truly industrial applications, form, fit, function, power, survivability, service and longterm availability of product are more important than just the lowest price.

Even though many vendors make similar products, none are a direct replacement of the other. The reason that we can expect expansion to continue is that there continues to be a need in transportation, industrial, medical, MIL/COTS and communications markets that can be cost-effectively addressed with a PC/104-based solution.

RTC: RTC readers look to our magazine for ideas about what’s coming out in the future as well as for help in designing current-generation systems.

And the new technology we report on— and what’s coming on line—is exciting.

Can you provide our readers with a little peek into the future of what they can expect from WinSystems?

Winfield: When EPIC was introduced, it called for a future upgrade to the

specification to support a serial fabric.

True to their promise, the five embedded SBC manufacturers that defined and created EPIC (WinSystems, Octagon Systems, VersaLogic, Micro/sys and Ampro Computers) engineered the next generation of EPIC, called EPIC Express. This specification was overwhelmingly approved by the PC/104 voting members in September 2006. So you should expect to see EPIC Express and expansion modules.

You will also continue to see new -40° to +85°C extended temperature EBC, EPIC and PC/104-based products with multiple connectivity options. We have and will continue to develop analog boards that require no calibration yet will still meet their rated specification over the

“Quality of life, job satisfaction, customer and employee loyalty can not just be valued in dollars.” full industrial temperature range. We will also have real-world, optically isolated signal conditioning modules for A/D, D/A and digital I/O. Since WinSystems offers a large range of single broad computers in different form-factors, we will have complete development systems that enable a designer to easily use Windows CE, XP embedded or Linux to get quickly started on any project. We will also have a full range (6.5” to 21”) of flat panel development kits and open-frame flat panel display assemblies. These flat panels will work beyond the standard commercial temperature range and offer wide viewing angles and high brightness.

As WinSystems enters our 25th year in business, I am excited about the growth in new applications and how the technology we have and are developing will meet customer needs.

WinSystems Arlington, TX. (817) 274-7553. [www.winsystems.com].

November 2006

51

Software&Development Tools Linux

Linux and Java Team Up to Address High-Availability Needs The combination of appropriate Linux and Java technologies provides a powerful platform for the development of cost-effective high-availability systems. Exploiting these technologies, however, requires careful consider in the selection of Linux distribution and Java virtual machine.

nd

er exploration ether your goal speak directly ical page, the ght resource. technology, es and products

by G eoff Baysinger, MontaVista Software and Kelvin Nilsen, Aonix

H

igh-availability computer systems provide non-stop operation for mission-critical business, telecommunication and defense applications. To tolerate failure of both hardware and software components, the architecture of high-availability systems is provided with various forms of redundancy. When one part of the system fails, other redundant parts of the system take over, and mpanies providing solutions now new redundancies are introduced to accommodate further compoploration into products, technologies and companies. Whether your goal is to research the latest nent failures. When a failed component is repaired, that component pplication Engineer, or jump to a company's technical page, the goal of Get Connected is to put you is for restored the system, where it quickly configures itself as a ervice you require whateverinto type of technology, primary backup anies and products you are or searching for.participant in the ongoing computations.

In the past, high-availability (HA) systems were the exclusive domain of very expensive and proprietary hardware and operating systems. But recently, increasing reliance on computer systems for mission-critical activities has moved HA requirements into mainstream markets. The concurrent maturation of both Linux and Java has resulted in both technologies offering the specialized capabilities required in HA applications.

The appeal of using Linux and Java together for the implementation of HA systems derives largely from the fact that both technologies are widely recognized as open industry standards and both technologies have now proven themselves to deliver the breadth ofGet features and the reliability required in HA applications.

Connected For its thementioned more recent Linux distributions include with part, companies in this article. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected support for networked and journaling file systems, more robust driver and kernel coding to minimize panics, additional kernel

End of Article

Get Connected with companies mentioned in this article. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

on.

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November 2006

preemption modes, hot-swap PCI devices, bonded Ethernet connections, backplane messaging and hardware monitoring. This support builds on open standards such as OpenAIS, OpenHPI, OpenIPMI, and the Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) specification produced by the Open Source Development Labs (OSDL).

Java builds on this foundation, providing high-level programming language support to facilitate the development of HA application software. The strengths that Java brings to the HA community include easier and less costly software development and maintenance, improved security through built-in language features like byte-code verification and array subscript checking, and dynamic class loading to support no-downtime software upgrades and on-the-fly system reconfiguration.

As a high-level programming environment, the Java platform generally hides its implementation details, including its dependencies on the underlying operating system, from Java software developers. Abstraction of this detail encourages software portability and simplifies development and maintenance activities. However, software engineers responsible for delivering HA must tunnel through the layers of abstraction in order to analyze and address availability vulnerabilities that might exist in the underlying implementation.

For example, Java provides standardized libraries for file input and output operations, network socket communication, and interaction with commercial data base implementations. When a Java virtual machine is running on a typical desktop operating system, the implementation of the file, network and database services is unlikely to support high-availability operation.

However, when the Java virtual machine is properly integrated within a Linux distribution that is configured for HA oper-

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Software&DevelopmentTools

3rd Party Libraries

Open AIS

Priority Inversion Avoidance High-Resolution Timing

Java 5.0 Libraries

JIT/AOT Compilation Support JDWP Symbolic Debugging TPTP run-time profiling

HA Libraries Supplied by VM Vendor

Device Driver Support Direct Memory Access Java Native Interface (JNI)

Legacy HA Applications Written in C and C++

HA Applications Written in Java

Java 5.0 Compatible Virtual Machine (VM)

Fixed Priority Scheduling

Linux Kernel 2.6.10 with OSDL Carrier Grade Linux (CGL) Enhancements

Real-Time Garbage Collection

real-time constraints is an essential part of a complete HA solution. The implementation of the Java virtual machine must support similar timing guarantees (Figure 1).

An important consideration in configuring a Java virtual machine for HA applications is support for predictable thread scheduling and synchronization behavior. According to the Java language specification, Java thread priorities are treated by the Java scheduler as mere suggestions, but the scheduler is not required to strictly honor thread priorities when dispatching time slices to each thread. Most Java virtual machines allow underlying OS heuristics (such as priority aging) to violate the thread priorities specified by Java programmers. Since developers of real-time systems use thread priorities to control the responsiveness of particular real-time components, it is important that a virtual machine designed to support deployment of HA real-time software honor strict priority scheduling of threads.

When HA systems are built from the combination of Java and non-Java components, it is essential that system engineers carefully account for the deadlines of each Java and non-Java thread and assign priorities to the respective threads so as to guarantee that each thread satisfies its timing constraints. In the most general case, it is necessary to create a carefully tailored interleaving of Java and non-Java thread priorities to address this requirement.

Another important consideration when integrating independently developed Java and non-Java HA software is a requirement to support efficient coordination and sharing of information

Advanced Telecommunication Computing Architecture (ATCA) Backplane

ation, the same portable Java code will support HA operation. In this configuration, the implementation of the java.io libraries is likely to support journaling, data mirroring and/or redundant distribution; the implementation of the java.net communication libraries is likely to exploit redundant network interface controllers and multiple wired connections to the network; and the implementation of the java.sql data base library would probably be based on a commercial HA data base implementation.

Many HA systems must comply with application-specific realtime constraints. Network infrastructure nodes, for example, are expected to report their status regularly and frequently. If companion nodes do not receive particular status reports within certain 50 ms timing windows, the network may conclude (erroneously) that certain nodes have failed. This will trigger fault recovery activities, adding to the network load, and increasing the likelihood that additional nodes will subsequently miss their status report timing windows. Reliable message delivery and overall message throughput will both suffer as a result of missed real-time deadlines. Other HA applications have similar timing constraints.

To meet HA timing constraints, both the Java virtual machine and the underlying real-time operating system must cooperate. Commercially supported Linux distributions have demonstrated consistent interrupt response latencies of less than 50 microseconds and thread preemption latencies of less than 65 microseconds. Each Linux distribution will have marked differences depending on the markets it serves and on which software packages are included in the distribution. Linuxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ability to satisfy

Persistent Device Naming Watchdog Timer Support RAID1/DRDB Disk Mirroring Ethernet Bonding Driver Forced Umount Journaling File Systems PICMG Hot-Swap IPMI with ATCA Extensions Logical Volume Manager Real-Time Enhancements Fast Reboot

Figure 1

54

A Java virtual machine is layered on top of the services provided by the underlying Linux operating system. Each layer of software provides additional services and improved abstraction. Legacy applications implemented in C and C++ make use of services provided by the Linux operating system, and may interact directly with the virtual machine through the use of JNI or sharing of Direct Memory buffers.

November 2006

Software&DevelopmentTools

Java Thread C (high priority) running

Java Thread B (medium priority) Blocked awaiting condition V

running

running

running

running

running

ready

Java Thread A (low priority)

between components written in the different languages. The Java Native Interface (JNI) is a well-defined mechanism that alVirtual Machine Linux lows Java to call C and C to call Java. A Services Services weakness of the JNI protocol is the high te riva CPU-time overhead that is consumed each ’s p st VM k A d e c time the JNI boundary between languages rea qu blo l th re, re ms, te a d a n o 3 e g a is crossed. Another weakness is the loss of r Si aph n in priv ms t th lec run sem icatio C on ore p3 information hiding. As HA software syse e S o e t if d h sl A not threa map tems grow in size and complexity, a powerse t k ful engineering approach is to divide large tha Loc rce ote urce u N o s o systems into many smaller components, d re X res locke A and conquer each of those components ate X is hread t priv ead y s b ’ independently. Unfortunately, the JNI B thr re o ead ck l thr e, blo aph boundary between C and Java allows the C ad a l e n a m r r g n e h i o n t g s i S itio S aph ate n code to gain full access to information that ect d v Sel to ru con V sem n pri B ought to be hidden from C programmers. ms Ao at 3 h t Over the years, we have found that VM sed tify pas many customers describe this fragile JNI ate No has priv ead d s ’ a C boundary as the single most common thr e d hre rea block aphor ct t run h e t l source of development errors. Since nearly Se to re, em nal C Sig apho ate s all HA systems that include Java technolov m r e s npi gies also make extensive use of non-Java Bo components, consider alternatives to the of ity JNI protocol for implementation of the rior tch p a e ad ativ to m hre , glue software that connects the two worlds. et n ad A gnal t hore d S a p i e re An approach that has been successfully thr C, s sema on t t th ad ate ad C re mp lec run d e e e r t t S h o v demonstrated in several commercially det pri thre pho A lock A t erite a o rce h ty t A’s lock sem n i u ployed telecommunications products estabb ate o at riori res X v i p pr lishes shared buffers external to the Java ity rior virtual machine and provides mechanisms e p iginal v i t a or d C’s re n to to allow both the Java code and the nonrce sto ead A threa ore, u e o R d es hr ph nal Java code to very efficiently monitor and er r rea of t l, sig sema A on ck nsf to th lect o e e l a v e a r n t e k e modify the contents of these shared buffers T oc l riva thre d phor U urc n se p ck ema X l and to ru so e r o , s l without the use of any JNI services.

C ad C X b ate e priv thr To support HA and real-time requirements, one popular real-time virtual machine offers a variety of Linux-specific configuration options. Among the configuration choices that can be specified at Figure 2 The PERC Java Virtual Machine implements priority inheritance through careful coordination with the underlying Linux operating system. Note start-up time, system integrators can arthat the virtual machine is always in full control of which Java threads are range for: eligible to execute at any given time. This enables consistent scheduling • All currently loaded virtual memory and synchronization regardless of underlying operating system behavior. pages and all subsequently loaded virtual memory pages to be locked into physical memory.

• Optional use of an extended range (from 1 to 32) of Java This same virtual machine also takes full responsibility for thread priorities. implementing the Java thread scheduling and synchronization • A specific mapping that associates a particular native oper- algorithms, thereby establishing a portable threading model that ating system priority with each of the allowed Java thread behaves the same across Linux, LynxOS, OSE, VxWorks, and a priorities. variety of other real-time operating systems. Multiple Java thread • A choice to use FIFO vs. Round-Robin scheduling. If FIFO priorities may map to a single real-time operating system priority. is specified, threads run to blocked or complete status before This Java virtual machine ensures that the ready Java thread with relinquishing to another thread at the same priority. highest priority is the only Java thread that is eligible to run. Thus, • Selection between use of the normal priority range and the Java threads demonstrate consistent and predictable scheduling real-time priority range. Threads running in the real-time pri- behavior relative to other Java threads, even though the underlying ority range are not subject to priority aging. operating system might manipulate thread priorities in an attempt November 2006

55

Software&DevelopmentTools to improve system throughput or interactive response times.

Priority inversion occurs in Java software when multiple threads with different priorities access shared synchronization locks. If a low-priority thread acquires a lock and is preempted by a medium-priority thread while it still holds the resource lock, higher priority threads that desire to enter the lock will be blocked until the medium-priority thread relinquishes the CPU so that the low-priority thread can release the lock. This priority inversion problem is addressed in real-time virtual machines by implementing the priority inheritance protocol on all synchronization locks. With this protocol, a low-priority thread’s priority is automatically boosted to that of the highest priority thread requesting access to the same synchronization lock. At least one popular virtual machine designed for real-time HA operation guarantees that all synchronization implements priority inheritance as part of its portable soft real-time API definition (Figure 2).

Among the key real-time issues that must be addressed in an HA Java implementation is the behavior of the garbage collector. Traditional Java virtual machines may introduce occasional processing delays ranging from hundreds of milliseconds to tens of seconds due to garbage collection interference. Special realtime garbage collection techniques support the necessary timing constraints. These real-time garbage collectors can be paced to ensure that the garbage collector replenishes the free pool faster than the application code consumes memory, while defragmenting the free pool to ensure reliable allocator performance, and supporting preemption of the garbage collector within approxi98390_2p4c_Analog.qxd mately 100 microseconds. 1/4/06 8:20 AM Page 1

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In the rare occasion that it is necessary to reboot an HA system, an important goal of an HA engineer is minimizing the mean time to repair (MTTR). This translates into a desire to minimize the time required for system restart. One technology that significantly reduces the time required to start-up a virtual machine is ahead-of-time compilation. With traditional Java virtual machines, the boot-up process is slowed because all of the application code must be dynamically loaded, verified and JIT-compiled before the application can begin to run. Virtual machines designed to support HA operation generally offer the option of compiling and linking the entire application as a static operation performed prior to run-time.

As with Linux itself, Java for HA systems must also be able to handle low-level interactions with fault-tolerant hardware subsystems. In HA systems, it is common to allow hot replacement of failed hardware components. Traditional Java lacks the ability to interface directly to hardware devices. Enhanced real-time virtual machines offer the ability to implement device drivers, including interrupt handlers, as portable real-time Java components, using conventions that allow the device drivers to be replaced dynamically when the corresponding hardware components fail.

MontaVista Software Santa Clara, CA. (408) 572-8000. [www.mvista.com].

Aonix San Diego, CA. (858) 824-0212. [www.aonix.com].

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November 2006

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Products&Technology Microsoft Launches Latest Version —Windows CE 6.0

The latest version of Microsoft’s real-time embedded operating systems, Windows Embedded CE 6.0, features a number of new wrinkles designed to move into even wider and deeper use in embedded applications. For starters, Microsoft has opened the kernel, making it 100 percent available in Microsoft’s Shared Source Initiative. Developers who modify the source will have no obligation to share back their final designs. In addition, the re-engineered kernel now supports 32,000 simultaneous processes and 2 Gbytes of virtual memory per process—up from 32 processes in version 5.0. The minimum kernel size has been kept to within an additional 10 percent of that of the 5.0 kernel.

Microsoft has also taken the step of integrating the operating system tool known as Platform Builder as a plugin for Visual Studio 2005 Professional, both of which are supplied with the purchase of CE 6.0. This means developers have a unified IDE for configuration of the OS image to fit the device under development as well as the application development environment. Among the over 600 components that can be configured with an OS image are a new cell core data and voice components that enable devices to establish data connections and make voice calls over cellular networks. Additional features make it easy to wirelessly integrate with desktop machines such as for setting up projectors for presentations or bringing desktop/laptop content into home consumer devices such as CE 6.0-enabled TVs. Developers can download or order an 18-day trial version under an agreement where royalties are only charged when they start shipping products. After 180 days or to purchase the development environment, the price is $995. A free download is available at: http://www.microsoft. com/windows/embedded/eval/trial.mspx.

Microsoft, Redmond, WA. (800) 642-7676. [www.microsoft.com].

Rugged 3U cPCI SBC Targets Comm, Control Apps

The most demanding embedded communication and industrial control applications require high throughput and rugged operating capabilities. A ruggedized, single-slot, 3U CompactPCI SBC from Men Micro fills the bill with the Intel 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo processor.

The F17 is a 32-bit/33 MHz SBC that can function as a system controller in a CompactPCI chassis or as a stand-alone embedded processor.

The 945GM Express chipset uses six lanes of highspeed PCI Express serial communications and two SATA ports. The front panel includes two Gigabit Ethernet ports that utilize PCI Express and two USB 2 interfaces. A front-panel VGA graphics port can, as an option, be brought to the front panel as two DVI connectors. Rear-panel I/O is also supported. Onboard resources include up to 4 Gbytes of fast DDR2 memory and a CompactFlash slot accommodating either flash or a 1.8-in. disk drive.

A specially designed passive heat sink facilitates efficient thermal management and all components are soldered in place. For humid or dusty environments, the F17 can be delivered with a conformal coating.

BSPs are available for Windows, Linux and VxWorks. Pricing starts at $2,635.

Men Micro, Lago Vista, TX. (512) 267-8883. [www.menmicro.com].

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November 2006

Device Server Targets Harsh Environments

Wireless device networking provides the added mobility and flexibility needed to access and continually monitor critical devices in situations where running cabling is impractical or cost prohibitive. But what about harsh environments that require hardened wireless networking equipment? A rugged, DIN-rail mounted Wi-Fi 802.11 device server from Lantronix operates under extreme temperatures of -40° to +70°C and resists the effects of exposure to electrical interference, vibration and physical abuse.

The XPress DR+ Wireless includes two serial ports and can connect virtually any type of industrial equipment, on the factory floor or in an open field, to the LAN or the Internet. The status of networked equipment can be viewed on any standard Web browser or application software through an 802.11 b/g wireless network. Power input options include wide 9-30 VDC or 9-24 VAC. The XPress DR+ Wireless features Lantronix’s SwitchPort+ platform technology that enables multiple industrial serial devices to be cascaded from a single network backbone connection, eliminating the need for hubs and cabling. The XPress DR+ Wireless also implements the latest 802.11i advanced encryption standard for data integrity and security.

Price is $449.

Lantronix, Irvine, CA. (800) 526-8764. [www.lantronix.com].

Mezzanine Board for Digital Data Recorders

A new low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) mezzanine board, the LVDS-16 from Conduant Corporation, allows data to travel over greater lengths of copper wire, increasing the distance between source and data capture point while maintaining the data stream between the data source and recording device.

The LVDS-16 provides 16-bit, 200 MHz data recording and playback interfaces for Conduant’s StreamStor Amazon SATA Disk Controllers. It also provides improved data integrity and longer cable lengths when compared with typical TTL parallel interfaces. The LVDS-16 can directly connect to customer FPGA devices over copper cables for data recording applications. In addition, the mezzanine board can replace the FPDP II and interface with the StreamStor Amazon recorder at sustained data rates of 400 Mbytes/s.

By providing direct digital interfaces on its StreamStor recording products, Conduant has eliminated all potential bottlenecks that can impact data recording applications. The addition of the LVDS interface expands the Amazon product line and their high-speed recording solutions. In addition, the StreamStor Amazon SATA Disk Controller features data forking, circular buffer recording, COTS I/O options and a wide range of interface options such as FPDP, Serial FPDP, FPDP II, LVDS or the PCI bus for direct-to-disk recording. The LVDS-16 is $3,000 without the StreamStor board.

Conduant Corporation West Creek, NJ (303) 485-2721. [www.conduant.com].

CompactPCI Blade Increases Memory and Power with Intel Core 2 Duo Processor

A new compute blade from Continuous Computing combines Intel’s L7400 Core 2 Duo processor with Continuous Computing’s suite of CompactPCI (cPCI) platform solutions, Trillium protocol software and professional services, enabling telecom equipment manufacturers to extend the life of cPCI systems while increasing product performance and reducing equipment costs. The cPCI-CD1215 reduces cPCI obsolescence for telecom equipment manufacturers by delivering new levels of performance, allowing customers to increase their number of users and improve equipment density with the cost-efficient cPCI systems.

The NEBS-compliant cPCICD1215 is backward compatible with previous generations of Continuous Computing’s cPCI compute blades and can be integrated with Continuous Computing’s Flex2 Network Service-Ready Platforms. The DDR2-400 memory and a range of onboard storage of cPCI-CD1215 give Intel’s L7400 Core 2 Duo processor twice the memory capacity and computing power of Intel Pentium M-based blades. The compute blade features input/output options including extended duty SATA disk, optional SAS disk and Gigabit Ethernet ports to the front, rear and other PICMG 2.16 options.

The compute blade is compatible with applications such as Application Server, Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF), Call State Control Function (CSCF), and a range of other compute-intensive equipment in NGN and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks and lists at $3,500.

Continuous Computing, San Diego, CA. (858) 882-8800. [www.ccpu.com].

Tool Suite Reduces Risk for DDS-Based Development Environments

Developing and integrating scalable distributed applications where real-time message and data throughput are critical has previously been a complex, cumbersome and risky task. To minimize that risk, Real-Time Innovations offers advanced tools for the development, debug, analysis and optimization of distributed systems and related applications.

The RTI Developer Platform tool suite targets development environments based on the open-standard Data Distribution Service (DDS).

RTI Developer provides a dynamic view of an active system from a node and data topic perspective, enabling visual validation and debugging of run-time behavior. RTI Scope allows live monitoring of message and data transmissions with time histories to enable debug of publisher-subscriber interactions. RTI Protocol Analyzer lets developers monitor physical network traffic and provides detailed packet and timing information.

RTI Developer Platform tool suite supports Windows, Linux and Sun Solaris. Pricing begins at $11,995 for three developers, and includes one year of maintenance and support.

Real-Time Innovations, Santa Clara, CA. (408) 200-4700. [www.rti.com].

IP-Powered Wireless Sensor Network “In a Box”

A complete out-of-the-box wireless sensor network (WSN) application platform monitors physical conditions in a wide variety of environments and can be operated as a full-fledged member of an IT infrastructure.

Its components include a gateway server that connects via Ethernet to the enterprise LAN, translating embedded applications into Web services and providing a Web-based console for setup, diagnostics and management of the WSN. The Primer Pack from Arch Rock includes all the components to set up a WSN in a matter of hours. A Gateway lets users generate a deployment map; discover, register, move and configure nodes; enable or disable sensors; graphically display statistics on node reliability and performance; show node battery status; request data from individual nodes or groups; set reporting intervals, thresholds and alerts; and numerous other functions.

A bridge node provides IEEE 802.15.4 wireless radio communication between the gateway and the sensor nodes. Also included are six battery-powered sensor nodes that monitor temperature, light and humidity, communicating withGet one Connected another and with the gateway server technology and over a self-organizing wireless network. can choose from companiesUsers providing solutions nowamong thousands of types of common Get sensors/switches/actuators beyond thoseexploration Connected is a new resource for further provided on the Sensor Nodes augment the basic of the your goal intoto products, technologies andfunctions companies. Whether is tosupport research the a company, speak directly Primer Pack. Each node can up latest to sixdatasheet externalfrom sensors, which with an Application company's technical are added using pre-installed sensorEngineer, drivers.orAjump set to ofaWeb services lets page, the goal ofto Get Connected is to put in touch the right users create applications retrieve data from theyou WSN andwith control itsresource.

Whichever level of service you require for whatever type of technology, functions. The ArchGet Rock Primer Pack is priced at $4,995. Additional Connected will help you connect with the companies and products sensor nodes are priced at $275 each. you are searching for.

Ad Index

Arch Rock, San Francisco, CA. (415) 692-0828. [www.archrock.com]. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

Blades Address Complex Wireline and Wireless VoIP Transcoding

A family of blade products, recently released by AudioCodes from their IPmedia product line. enables complex wireline and wireless transGet Connected with technology and companies providi coding processing required in IP Multi-media Subsystem (IMS) architecGet Connected a new resource for furtherBlade exploration into produ ture and other VoIP implementations.

The isTranscoding Resource datasheet from a company, speak directly with an Application Engineer (TRB) products support IP-to-IP conversion of a wide range of standard in touch with the right resource. Whichever level of service you require f and low bit-rate (LBR) Get coders, including: Connected will G.711, help youG.726, connect G.727, with the G.723.1, companies and products G.729.a, iLBC, GSM-FR, GSM-EFR, AMR and others. In addition to voice www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected coders, the TRB family also supports encryption/decryption, conversion of G.711 fax to T.38 and a number of DTMF conversions.

Transcoding features are controlled via SIP, MGCP or via the high-performance AudioCodes API. The TRB family of blades offers a range of high-performance, low-latency IP-to-IP transcoding solutions for IMS architecture and peer-to-peer VoIP applications that are more efficient than host-based solutions. Integrating the AudioCodes IPmedia transcoding resources into the Soleo XML Network Gateway speech-based platform solved transcoding challenges with and companies broadenedand the addressable Get Connected market into products a number of new wireline featured in this section.and wireless customers. The TRB product family is available in a PCI blade form factor with 120 transcoding www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected sessions and cPCI blade form-factors with 240 and 10,008 transcoding sessions. AdvancedTCA form-factor product is planned for early 2007.

Products

AudioCodes, San Jose, CA. (408) 441-1175. [www.audiocodes.com].

Get Connected with companies and products featured in this section. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

November 2006

59

Products&Technology

SBC Saves Time for Embedded Military and Aerospace Designers

A new PowerPC single board computer, the Celero CVME-7448S from Cornet Technology Communications (CTC), was designed to save the commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) VersaModule-Eurocard (VME) community and embedded military and aerospace designers time and to lower cost in designing hardware from scratch. The Celero CVME7448S, powered by a Freescale MPC7448 PowerPC processor running at 1.6 GHz, offers built-in Altivec-optimized digital signal processing capabilities, 1 Mbyte on-processor cache, expandable 256 Mbytes DDR SDRAM, expandable 32 Mbytes flash, 64-bit PMC sites, four configurable multi-protocol (RS-232/422/485) serial ports, one USB 2.0 port, and a 10/100/1000 Base-T Gigabit Ethernet port.

The Celero CVME single board allows systems designers to develop VME applications with sizeable input/output (I/O) such as signal intelligence, automated testing equipment (ATE), and satellite ground station applications, which all require an embedded computing platform capable of collecting, analyzing and disseminating large amounts of data in real-time. In addition, the single board includes board support packages (BSPs) for VxWorks 6.x and Linux operating systems enabling integration of their application codes into a real-time operating system environment. Available in the first quarter of 2007, the Celero CVME-7448S will start at $5,000.

Cornet Technology, Springfield, VA. (703) 658-3400. [www.cornet.com].

Converged Application Platform Delivers Fast Time-to-Market

TEMs, OEMs, system integrators and VARs need fast time-to-market, as well as an economical, next-generation platform when designing VoIP, IP PBX, and other converged applications. To meet those needs, the Converged Application Platform (CAP) for IP PBX and other converged applications from WIN Enterprises provides an easily installed, secured and managed off-the-shelf appliance that utilizes a single communications network.

The WIN CAP PL-01026 was co-designed with Intel using Intel’s standards-based building blocks and reference design. The integration of Intel Architecture and network processors with WIN CAP provides a single point of network connectivity that supports a broad range of network functions: Ethernet switch, router/firewall/VPN, QoS device, WAN access device, Wi-Fi AP, analog telephone adaptor and application server. The IXP465 network processor manages IP and LAN traffic, buffering it for transcoding by the Intel Pentium M processor, enabling ultra-low latency converged communications.

The PL-01026 features the Intel Pentium M processor, 915GM Express chipset, IXP465 network processor with 128 Mbytes of DDR RAM, up to 1 Gbyte of DDR2 RAM, a standard Compact Flash slot and a 2.5-in.

SATA hard disk. It supports IP, PSTN, Wi-Fi, WAN and LAN protocols.

Linux is supported. Software options include Intoto, Intel’s NetStructure Host Media Processing and Asterisk. Evaluation unit price for the hardware platform only is $1,995. Quantity discounts are available.

WIN Enterprises, N. Andover, MA. (978) 688-2000. [www.win-ent.com].

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November 2006

6U Dual-Core VME SBC for Defense and Aerospace Apps

A new 6U VME single board computer from Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing, the SVME/DMV-1901, features the Intel Core Duo processor running at speeds of 1.67 (15W) and 2.0 (21W) GHz. VME system integrators using WindowsXPe, Solaris10 and Linux can now use a single board with ultra-low voltage processor, ruggedized platform, and improved embedded system performance-per-watt for defense and aerospace platforms.

The SVME/DMV-1901 is offered in a wide range of ruggedization levels including L0, L50 and L100 aircooled and L100 and L200 conduction-cooled configurations. In both dual-core and single-core configurations, the SVME/DMV-1901 features 2 Mbytes L2 Advanced Transfer Cache, 4 Gigabytes ECC DDR2 SDRAM, up to 4 Gigabytes USB User flash, ATI Radeon X300 Graphics onboard with 4-lane PCI Express, Dual Display, Intel E7520 Memory Controller Hub (MCH), Intel 6300ESB I/O Controller Hub (ICH), and a VME 64x Universe II bus interface.

The SVME/DMV-1901 comes with the Guardian Select lifecycle-management program, board support packages (BSPs), and soon VxWorks and LynxOS for real time environments. The I/O includes PMC/XMC expansion site interfaces, AC’97 Audio, eight GPIO lines, and air-cooled front panel onboard video graphics and SCSI. The I/O ports include two Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet, three USB 2.0, six Com (two RS-232; four RS-422), two SATA and two PS/2 ports. It will be available first quarter of 2007 and volume priced under $4,700.

Curtiss-Wright Controls, Charlotte, NC. (704) 869-4600. [www.cwcontrols.com].

Floating-Point DSP Targets Cost-Sensitive Apps

Cost-sensitive, signal processing-intensive applications such as industrial, medical, biometrics and instrumentation need the convenience of floating-point DSPs at a low price.

With that in mind, Texas Instruments recently released the TMS320C6720 DSP. The VLIW C67x DSP generation-based core runs at 200 MHz and has 64 Kbytes of on-chip RAM, a 32 Kbyte instruction cache and a 384 Kbyte ROM. The ROM is preloaded with DSP/BIOS, a real-time DSP kernel and DSP libraries of commonly used functions.

The dMax DMA engine offloads I/O processing tasks from the DSP core. The C6720 DSP eliminates the need to convert floating-point prototypes into fixed-point designs, decreasing time-to-market. It is pin-for-pin compatible with the TMS320C6722 and TMS320C6726.

Software development tools include the Lyrtech-designed Professional Audio Development Kit (PADK) and the Code Composer Studio IDE, which eliminates the need for assembly code and creates an easyto-maintain code base. The TMS320C6720 DSP is priced at $5.75 in production volumes. Pricing for the PADK starts at $1,995.

Texas Instruments, Dallas, TX. (800) 336-5236. [www.ti.com].

Motor Drive Module Eliminates Software Development

A fully integrated high-reliability hybrid motor control module, enables digital, sensor-free vector control of permanent magnet motors. The IRMCT3UF1 from International Rectifier combines digital control, analog interface and power stage, streamlining time-to-market and increasing design flexibility. The module configures to specific applications using the iMOTION ServoDesigner tool that facilitates drive parameter modification via memory-mapped registers.The control functions are contained in a pre-configured Motion Control Engine (MCE), and its algorithm accommodates motor parameter variation for compatibility with a variety of brushless DC and permanent magnet AC motors, while creating field-oriented control.

The module is screened to various test methods of MIL-STD-883 for operation in severe environmental conditions. Less than half the size of a discrete solution, the module combines digital controller, memory, external interface, gate drivers and six power MOSFETs into an eight-square-inch, 2.5-ounce package. The IRMCT3UF1 provides accurate high-performance speed and torque control without commutation or position sensors. Sinusoidal current control enables current startup sequencing and low loss space vector pulse-width modulation (PWM) for smoother startup and minimized torque ripple for maximum motor efficiency. It operates at 28-48V, in a MP-3T package, with a Control Loop Computation Time of 11 uS, and a RS-232 of 57.6 KBaud. 100unit pricing starts at $995.

International Rectifier, El Segundo, CA. (310) 726-8000. [www.irf.com].

ZigBee/802.15.4 Application Kit Enables Remote Monitoring

Adding wireless ZigBee technology to an Ethernet-enabled embedded control device could produce a low-cost, robust wireless infrastructure that enables remote device monitoring within a wireless network, data exchange between devices and control of I/O from a secured PC on the Internet. A new application kit from Rabbit Semiconductor enables exactly that.

The ZigBee/802.15.4 Application Kit, built upon IEEE 802.15.4, interfaces a RabbitCore module with MaxStream XBee wireless ZigBee modules. The reference application includes all of the hardware and software needed for implementing a ZigBee wireless control network in various topologies, such as point-topoint and point-to-multipoint. Configuration software lets engineers set up a network, discover nodes and establish communications between similar ZigBee devices.

The RabbitCore module acts as the network coordinator to monitor and manage two other battery-powered XBee-equipped node devices, providing the ability to remotely access and control a ZigBee/802.15.4 network. It is equipped with Ethernet and 512 Kbytes of flash, 256 Kbytes of SRAM, 1 Mbyte of serial flash and 33 GPIO lines. It can act as either an intelligent control device or an Ethernet gateway. Price is $399.

Rabbit Semiconductor, Davis, CA. (530) 757-8400. [www.rabbit.com].

First Core Duo-Based AMC Boosts Compute Power

One thing high-speed communications applications have needed to take advantage of ATCA is more, and faster, processing from the AMC form-factor. An Intel Core Duo-based AMC from Mercury Computer Systems nearly doubles the compute resources available.

The Momentum Series Intel Core Duobased AXA-100 AMC can be configured with either an Intel Core Duo or Intel Core 2 Duo processor. It supports high-speed interfaces for use in both ATCA and MicroTCA systems within a single-width, full height module. It features the Intel Core Duo processor L2400, the Intel 3100 integrated chipset and up to 4 Gbytes of memory.

The 3100 chipset integrates memory and I/O controllers, supporting a 667 MHz processor bus and single-channel registered DDR2-400 SDRAM with ECC. A four-lane, non-transparGetXAUI Connected technology ent PCI Express interface and dual interfaceswith at 3.123 Gbits/sand x4 companies providing solutions now are implemented using Xilinx Virtex-4 FPGAs in the FAT pipes region Get fabric Connected is a new resource for further exploration on the AMC.1/AMC.2-compliant interface.

Two 1000Base-BX into products, technologies and companies. Whether your goal Ethernet ports and two SATA interfaces are provided in the common is to research the latest datasheet from a company, speak directly options region. An with AMC.0-compliant module management controller an Application Engineer, or jump to a company's technical page, the is implemented using H8 microcontroller.

Pricing goala ofRenesas Get Connected is to put you in touch withstarts the rightatresource. $4,995.

Whichever level of service you require for whatever type of technology,

Ad Index

Connected will help youMA. connect with 256-1300. the companies and products Mercury ComputerGet Systems, Chelmsford, (978) you are searching for. [www.mc.com].

www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

Universal Serial I/O Board for PowerDNA Offers Four Isolated Ports

A new universal serial I/O layer/board for the PowerDNA distributed automation and control system Get Connected with technology and companies providi offers four fully independent, isoConnected is a new resource for further exploration into produ lated RS-232, RS-422 orGet RS-485 datasheet from a company, speak directly with an Application Engineer ports. The DNA-SL-501 from United in touchhalfwith the right resource. Whichever level of service you require f Electronic Industries supports Get Connected will help you connect with the companies and products and full-duplex mode for RS-485. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected Each port is software-configurable as RS-232 or RS-485, and maximum data transfer rates are up to 1 Mbit/s in RS422/485 mode or up to 256 Kbits/s in RS-232 mode. The DNA-SL-501 uses a 16550 UART controller on each port (FIFO mode only). The board is compatible with RS-422 networks when used in RS-485 mode. It provides 200 Ohm software-selectable TX and/or RX termination for RS-485 communications. Additionally, the DNA-SL-501 provides 1 kOhm software-selectable fail-safe RX termination for RS-485 mode.

Each port features completely independent bit rate settings. The board provides isolation between ports and circuitry and 15 kV Get 350V Connected with companies and ESD. It supports UEIDaq Data Acquisition Software productsthe featured in this Framework section.

Library forwww.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected Windows. Linux and QNX drivers are available. Price is $650.

Products

United Electronic Industries, Canton, MA. (781) 821-2890. [www.ueidaq.com].

Get Connected with companies and products featured in this section. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

November 2006

61

IndustryWatch

PCI Expressâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Everywhere Originally a chip-to-chip technology for PCs and graphics, PCI Express is being adapted across virtually all segments of the industry. Increasing demand for bandwidth, seamless migration from conventional PCI architecture and availability of silicon are driving its acceptance and deployment.

nd

er exploration ether your goal speak directly ical page, the ght resource. technology, es and products

by A kber Kazmi PLX Technology

F

ollowing the debut of PCI Express-based graphics applications in 2004, a wide array of product categories have adopted the technology. Server and storage systems, for example, have taken advantage of PCI Express (PCIe) bandwidth ompanies mpanies providing solutions now and scalability. But while PCIe technology had already been exploration into products, technologies and companies. Whether your goal is to research the latest pected to expand to other market segments, no one anticipated pplication Engineer, or jump to a company's technical page, the goal of Get Connected is to put you just how widespread its deployment would be in areas such as ervice you require for whatever type of technology, communications, anies and products you are searching for.embedded systems, home entertainment and consumer electronics, for which a steady stream of products are now rolling out. Driving this rapid adoption across product categories is the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth, designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; preference for pain-free migration from the conventional PCI architecture, and an abundance of various PCIe devices becoming available.

PCIe technology was created back in 2002 when major system OEMs realized that existing bus-based interconnect technologies such as conventional PCI and PCI-X had reached their peak. What resulted was a 2.5 Gbit/s serial interface with several advantages over conventional bus-based interconnect technologies. Table 1 outlines these advantages.

Get Connected Sincewith releasing first PCIe specification in 2002, the PCI companiesthat mentioned in this article. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected Special Interest Group (PCI-SIG) has introduced several enhancements to the PCIe base specifications to propel its use in a

End of Article

Get Connected with companies mentioned in this article. www.rtcmagazine.com/getconnected

on.

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November 2006

CPU

Memory

Chip Set

x8 or x16 End Point

PCIe Switch x4 and x8

End Point

Figure 1

When used with a PCIe chipset, a switch can be used to expand the number of available PCIe slots.

IndustryWatch Mass Storage Modules for VMEbus and CompactPCI® surprisingly wide range of additional applications. The following is a brief description of these enhancements: 1. Gen2 PHY Layer: A new physical interface for 5 Gbit/s links (Rev. 0.9 released). This allows high-performance computing to scale to the next level of performance. The systems equipped with Gen2 devices are expected to be released by mid-2007.

2. Cable Specification: The specification to connect systems through PCIe cable (Rev 0.9 released). This allows systems with PCIe ports to be connected together within the range of nine meters. Pre-standard cables have been shipping for almost six months.

3. I/O Virtualization (IOV) Spec: The specification for implementation of PCIe in multi-host and shared-I/O environments such as blade servers (Rev 0.5 released). This will

Ultra SCSI Flash Drive

Up to 128GB in VMEbus Form Factor -40C to +85C Operating See the full line of VMEbus single and multi-slot mass storage module products at

CPU

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or call Toll-Free: 800-808-7837 Red Rock Technologies, Inc. 480-483-3777

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reduce the cost of ownership and management for blade 10/13/06 3:28:23 PM servers as the I/O’s resources will be shared amongst different CPUs. The spec is expected to be completed in the second half of 2007.

redrock_03.indd 1

PCIe Switch

GPU1

GPU2

From servers to video/graphics applications to embedded systems, PCIe technology fits the needs of an ever-increasing number of industry segments—some highly anticipated, while others less so. In these applications, it provides scalable bandwidth between the CPU and I/Os in servers; matches the SAS/ SATA and Fibre Channel (FC) data rates in storage; provides high-speed links to control or packet processors in communication; links real-time audio/video processors in consumer applications; and facilitates high-bandwidth serial links in many embedded applications.

Rackmount and Blade Servers

Figure 2

The use of PCIe in dual graphics applications allows two PCIe GPUs to process and send image data to a single monitor.

Most servers would fall in one of two classes—I/O servers and compute servers. I/O servers tend to have one to two CPUs and many I/O slots, or devices that connect to I/O resources, such as storage and communication devices. On the other hand, the compute servers have a lot of processing power (four or more CPUs) with fewer I/O resources. Typically, servers come in a 19inch-wide 1-4U high rackmount casing and a comparatively new form-factor called the “blade server.” Blade servers are becoming increasingly popular as they offer cost savings over rackmount servers as well as lower power consumption, smaller form-factor and ease of management.

Servers started the transition to PCIe to take advantage of November 2006

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IndustryWatch

Video Distribution Co-Processor Security/DSP

PCIe Switch

Control Processor

Figure 3

Framer PHY

NPU/ASIC

Line Card

Framer PHY

PCIe is used to route data among the various processors needed to process and route packets for high-speed networking.

the bandwidth, scalability, broad ecosystems and ubiquity of this technology. The servers shipping today offer some PCIe slots, and while the majority of the slots are still PCI-X, we’re seeing a steady trend toward less PCI-X and more PCIe as chipset vendors eliminate PCI-X interfaces from the chipset.

Most chipsets on the market today offer a fixed number (three or four) of PCIe ports. However, servers used in I/O-intensive applications such as storage require more ports. PCIe ports on server motherboards can be increased by using off-theshelf PCIe switches, with various lane and port counts, from vendors such as PLX Technology. Figure 1 illustrates the use of a PCIe switch to create more high-speed slots in a server application.

Typically, blade servers provide several interfaces such as SAS/SATA, Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet (GE) to connect to network and storage devices that are not shared by all the blades. As mentioned above, the new PCIe protocol enhancement IOV will allow reduction of these interconnects and sharing of I/O resources. This will significantly reduce cost of server procurement, maintenance, support and management.

PC Graphics

PC Graphics is the key driver of PCIe technology, as it has brought economies of scale to reduce the cost of components.

A large majority of high-end PCs manufactured in 2006 were built to support a x16 PCIe slot enabling 3D, high-resolution graphics.

PC-based video gaming has been growing by leaps and bounds, and graphics chip vendors are providing cutting-edge performance through high-resolution graphics-processing units (GPUs). High-end graphics is also becoming important for scientific, entertainment and engineering communities, as more and more applications take advantage of this graphics revolution. The GPU manufacturers are pushing the envelope for gaming enthusiasts by creating two x16 PCIe slots to install two GPUs to drive a single monitor for the ultimate gaming experience (Figure 2).

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Multiple-monitor computing is in the early stage of its growth curve and is about to take off as a major trend. The factors that are playing key roles in this development are PCIe technology, newer operating systems, lower memory prices, enhancements in LCD technology, monitor prices and enhanced GPU devices.

Traditionally, these systems were used by the financial industry and graphics professionals, but due to a recent decline in the costs, a new generation of users and applications has emerged.

These include working between multiple applications and their interfaces in addition to addressing the need to efficiently and simultaneously view and process a multitude of information sources. In utilizing multiple monitors, users can move and size a variety of information and images across any or all screens to increase efficiency.

Many modern systems depend on high-speed connectivity between chips, modules and systems. In video and graphics applications, the PCIe interface provides the connectivity between the GPUs and the processor (or chipset). The switches are being used to expand the PCIe port on the host processor or the chipset to connect to multiple GPUs. This allows motherboard and card manufacturers to create more graphics ports (slots) for multi-monitor systems. The scalable bandwidth of PCIe allows for matching the I/O bandwidth with the performance requirements of the end systems.

The applications taking advantage of multiple monitors include spreadsheet analysis, desktop publishing, tool palette storage, CAD, CAM, CAID, project tracking, Web design, gaming, game development, model design, trade show presentations, presentation systems, financial analysis, stock trading, software development, simulation, videoconferencing, animation, video/ audio editing, technical research and video editing.

Storage Systems and Routers

A typical storage system depends on high-speed connectivity between CPU, memories, I/O chips, modules and storage devices. In many of today’s systems, PCIe provides the connectivity between the storage interfaces, such as FC, SCSI and SATA, and the processors that control or manage the storage system.

Fibre Channel host bus adapters (HBAs) are dominant in enterprise storage systems. Traditionally, the HBAs with FC, SCSI, SATA and other interfaces have used conventional PCI or PCI-X to connect to the host bus; the HBA would connect to the host through chipsets (for x86 architecture) or directly (for RISC processors). The task of designing a system with conventional buses like PCI/PCI-X becomes more challenging as the bus width and clock speed increase to support the increased CPU speed and storage interface data rates. Furthermore, to increase the number of slots, additional PCI/PCI-X bridges are needed. These bridges bring additional cost, noise, complexity, board space and latencies. This creates room for a serial switching technology like PCIe. PCIe switches are being used to expand the PCIe port on the storage system’s host board to connect to multiple components or ASICs on the HBA. Most FC HBA vendors are migrat-

IndustryWatch

Camera

Camera

CPU JPEG

FIFO

FPGA

PCIe Bridge

Camera PCIe Switch Camera

Camera

Control Processor

CPU JPEG

FIFO

FPGA

PCIe Bridge

Camera

Figure 4

Use of PCIe in surveillance systems is able to aggregate the video input from multiple distributed cameras to a single station.

ing to PCIe, as it offers serial interface for better board design and higher and scalable bandwidth that matches the FC line rate requirements of 1 Gbit/s, 2 Gbits/s, 4 Gbits/s and 8 Gbits/s.

There are many FC HBA and SATA cards available from multiple vendors today.

Internet connectivity depends on the routerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to move information (packets) between users, computers and remote systems (Web surfing, email, ftp, etc.). High-end routers process millions of packets per second in order to support an ever-increasing demand for speed and real-time response by modern applications. These routers perform deep packet processing for authentication, security, quality of service, reliability, route optimization and network management. Several application-specific processors or custom ASICs are involved in packet processing. These processors and ASICs need to be interconnected through efficient high-speed, chip-to-chip or board-to-board interconnects. Typically, routers consist of line cards, router modules and control modules. An example of a line card with PCIe as an interconnect technology is shown in Figure 3.

Industrial and Embedded

PCIe technology is being adopted by many standards bodies in the industrial and embedded spaces, such as the Advanced Telecom, MicroTCA system and AMC specifications. The AMC family of specifications defines a form-factor that utilizes highspeed serial interface technologies such as PCIe. This form-factor can be utilized to support AMC modules in MicroTCA systems, carrier module for AdvancedTCA systems, or custom chassis.

The AMC modules are being used in many embedded applications such as communication systems, medical equipment, cellular base stations, and imaging systems.

The PCIe interface provides this connectivity on chipsets used with x86-based architecture, MIPS processors and PowerPC processors. PCIe switches are being used to expand the limited number of ports available on the chipsets or the processors. Some

systems are taking advantage of the switchesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; peer-to-peer capabilities to develop a system backplane or switch fabric in order to connect to multiple I/O devices.

Most router vendors have used conventional PCI to connect to subsystems of the router for management and control. Recent bandwidth and processing demands on the management modules are forcing designers to look for faster interconnect technologies.

PCIe technology, thanks to its software compatibility with PCI, provides this capability without a forklift upgrade of the network operating systems. PCIe switches are being used to connect the embedded and network processors, as most of them offer PCIe interfaces.

Traditionally, security systems have been limited in their scope and functionalities, such as simply detecting open doors and windows. In the last few years, these systems have grown in functionality, providing video surveillance at many points of the secured area through wired or wireless cameras. With numerous high-resolution cameras comes an extensive need for increased bandwidth and throughput in the systems. For example, a frame-grabber board takes video images from the cameras, processes them locally and feeds the info to the host for analysis and action. This requires multiple high-speed ports to aggregate to the CPU or host. PCIe switches fit this application perfectly, as the technology provides high-speed, point-to-point connections to end-points with aggregation to the host (Figure 4).

PLX Technology Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 328-3500. [www.plxtech.com].

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