PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY
MMC Management Solution Using ACTEL SmartFusion
A new module management controller (MMC) board management reference (BMR) starter kit is based on Actel’s SmartFusion intelligent mixed signal programmable/configurable application services platforms (P/C-ASPs). SmartFusion integrates an FPGA, a 40 MHz hard ARM Cortex-M3based microcontroller subsystem (MSS) and programmable analog. The new kit addresses the MMCs on AdvancedMC (AMC) modules, which are used in both AdvancedTCA (ATCA) carriers and MicroTCA (µTCA) shelves, collectively referenced as xTCA. Compared to other core silicon used for xTCA management controllers, SmartFusion extends valuable features for xTCA management controllers including customizability due to the built-in flash FPGA, which can integrate board-specific logic into the SmartFusion chip, reducing footprint and cost; in addition, relevant selections from Actel’s rich library of IP blocks can be installed in the FPGA fabric to augment the hardlogic peripherals as needed. The advanced analog processing with zero load on the ARM processor is able to do xTCA-aware analog sensor monitoring; xTCA-oriented analog sensors and other analog sensors are configured and processed in a unified way in the programmable analog subsystem. Included in the kit is a benchtop management controller development board that is implemented in an AMC form factor, which means that it can be inserted into any compliant AMC slot. In addition, the kit incorporates a complete SmartFusion FPGA design in a Libero Integrated Design Environment (IDE) project, complete firmware including full source code in C for both the management controller code and development tools, comprehensive documentation and a production license that grants designers the rights needed to design and bring to market an AMC product. There are two kit variants available: one for customers who choose to work in an ATCA-focused bench top context, and the other for companies who prefer to work in a µTCA-focused bench top context. Pigeon Point Systems, Scotts Valley, CA. (831) 438-1565. [www.pigeonpoint.com].
COM Express Module with Mobile Core i7 and QM57 Chipset
A new COM Express module is part of a portfolio of Type VI COM Express Basic (small footprint) modules from American Portwell. The Type VI COM Express Basic is becoming a new standard in 2010. At 125 mm x 95 mm (4.92˝ x 3.74˝), the compact PCOM-B216VG-VI is based on the Intel Core i7 processor and the Mobile Intel QM57 Express chipset. This dual-core platform supports error-correcting code (ECC) memory and Intel Active Management Technology (Intel AMT) 6.0 along with Intel Trusted Execution Technology for effective remote management and enhanced security. In addition, it features two SO-DIMM (non-ECC) sockets to support DDR3 SDRAM 800/1066MT/s up to 8 Gbyte; one Gigabit Ethernet; expansion (via the COM Express carrier board) of one PCI-Express x16 lane, which can be configured to two x8 lanes; one DVI-D, one HDMI and one Display Port (DP) interfaces, seven PCI-E x1, LPC interface and high definition audio interface; and a PCOM-C211 Developer COM Express Type VI carrier board. Equipped with Intel Turbo Boost technology—which automatically allows processor cores to run faster than the basic operating frequency—the PCOM-B216VG-VI addresses the market’s performance and power consumption concerns because it also supports Intel Intelligent Power Sharing Technology. This balances the load of TDP (Thermal Design Power) and temperature between the CPU and the graphics engine by enforcing power clamps to non-turbo levels. American Portwell, Fremont, CA. (510) 403-3399. [www.portwell.com].
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MONTH MAY 2010 2010RTCRTC MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
10GbE OEM-Ready Appliance Fueled by 12 Cores
A new dual-processor network appliance features the Intel Xeon 5600 processor series to offer enhanced computing performance for high-speed modular I/O processing of multiple GbE and 10GbE links. Purposefully built for high-end network security and packet processing applications, the FWA-6500 from Advantech takes advantage of the Intel AES New Instructions (Intel AES-NI), which frees up valuable processor cycles for more virtualization and processing. Intel AES-NI adds new instructions that provide robust encryption without the need for additional appliances or increased performance overhead. Additionally, Intel Trusted Execution Technology (Intel TXT) performs SHA-1 hash measurements for RSA decryption key exchanges as part of the code authentication process. This means greater security in network transactions without a loss in processing power. With up to 6-core operation (up to 12 threads per socket with Intel Hyper Threading Technology), 50% L3 cache increase to 12 Mbyte, and support for lower voltage DDR3L DIMMs, the capabilities of the new processors will facilitate further platform consolidation whilst decreasing power budget. Network connectivity is fast and flexible with up to 16 front accessible GbE ports supported by 4 quad Gigabit Ethernet modules, based on the Intel 82576EB Gigabit Ethernet Controller, or multiple dual 10GbE modules based on Intel’s 82599EB 10 Gigabit Ethernet Controller. The modules plug into a 32-way PCI Express (PCIe) Gen2 mid-plane, providing highspeed interconnects to the I/O controller hub, making the system fast and efficient. RJ45 and SFP/SFP+-based modules are supported and can be mixed and matched as required. Copper modules come with optional LAN bypass capabilities. Two further PCIe x4 slots are available internally for standard add-in cards for offload purposes or network processor-based coprocessing. Advantech, Irvine, CA. (800) 866-6008. [www.advantech.com].