CompactPCI ControllerCompact PCI processors and controllers are single board computers (SBCs). Being rugged and high-speed computer boards these are quite suitable for embedded industrial applications. CompactPCI controllers and processors work with CompactPCI bus or PXI (PCI extension for instrumentations). CompactPCI is a high performance industry standard bus and is based on a rugged Eurocard package. CompactPCI buses contain eight slots but can further be extended through PCI - PCI bridges.
CompactPCI Controller and Processor Specifications
Application a controller or processor targeted, memory, form factors, interfaces, controller type, and features are the important specifications related to the CompactPCI controllers and processors. Both processor and controller use RAM (random access memory) including SRAM, DRAM, and SDRAM.
Compact PCI Controller and Processor Applications
Both the CompactPCI controllers and processors can control and manage IRQs, network data transfers, triggers, registers, and provide DMA (direct memory access). IRQs are the interrupt requests. External devices connected to the computer such as measurement and test equipment can send such requests to the computer. Overall Compact PCI controllers and Processors are important part of Data Acquisition Systems (DAQs), industrial automation, real-time instrumentation, real-time machine control, and computer telephony.
Form Factors
In common both the controllers and processors come in 3U and 6U form factors. 3U form factor means the size of 100 mm X 160 mm. It contains a 96-pin DIN Connector. 6U form factor (233 mm X 160 mm) contains two 96-pin DIN connectors.
Interfaces
Interface choice includes serial interfaces (RS232, RS422, and RS485), parallel ports, USB (universal serial bus), PCMCIA standards, and
GPIB (general-purpose interface bus).
CompactPCI Controller Type
In a bigger picture there are two choices for controllers. One is a general-purpose controller and other is a real time controller. Real time controllers refer to the embedded controllers. Real time processing requires a special operating system. Embedded controllers are inserted in the CompactPCI or PXI chassis. In such way they interact and get access with other system devices or resources such as memories or IRQs. General purpose refers to the remote or PC controllers. These allow the networked personal computers to control the other systems. Moreover they PC controllers work commercial operating systems.
Extra Features of CompactPCI Controllers and Processors
Besides basic functionality extra features are associated with various CompactPCI controllers and processors. For example some controllers and processors are hot swappable. Such devices contain an additional video adapter and a timer that also serves as a rest button in case of any undesired phenomenon. In other CompactPCI controllers and processors some can be attached to keyboard or mouse. Some offer on-board FLASH. Such devices are normally certified by FCC (federal communication commission) or other organizations.
