The cPCI systems are integrated using:

• IEEE 1101 standard card cages
• cPCI Backplanes
• Power Supplies and Power Backplanes
• Single Board Computers
• Standard Peripherals

Data Patterns maintains stock of all the important components required for integrating cPCI systems. System components are integrated to meet application requirements. This enables complete flexibility in system integration. Some of the standard chassis commonly used by our customers have been listed in this brochure. These are mostly in 6U form factor due to the benefit of higher density electronics in the given rack space. The 6U form factor automatically enables the use of 3U cards in the same chassis.

Backplanes are available from two slots and go upto 21 slots through the use of low profile bridges. cPCI allows the use of PC standard power supplies including ATX style units. Other power supply styles that are commonly used with cPCI architecture include 3U and 6U hot pluggable power supplies, custom redundant power supplies, etc.

The power supply unit is 230V, 50Hz AC by default. Switchable and auto ranging power supplies accommodating 110V 60Hz AC Power supplies are available. Power Supplies suitable for 24V DC, 48V DC and other custom power supplies can be provided. AC power supplies with built-in battery backup can also be provided. All cPCI systems require a processor board for controlling the peripheral boards mounted on the backplane. Customers can choose any standard processor board for integrating the chassis.

Data Patterns has evaluated a number of Single Board Computers from multiple vendors and short listed a few contemporary models for integration in cPCI systems. A typical example is the MIC3358 from Advantech. These have been tested for stability of operation in high reliability applications, compatibility with multiple OS and provide a rich feature list. While Pentium-IV and Pentium-M processors are the current standard, Data Patterns can provide processors based on PowerPC architecture as well.

Standard peripherals required for cPCI operation include Floppy Disk, Hard Disk Drive, CD and DVD Read Write Drives. These are mounted on the chassis as per the system engineering requirement. Common peripherals such as VGA, Keyboard, Mouse, USB, Parallel and COM ports are typically provided. The availability and quantity of these ports vary based on application requirements and advances in technology.

Common external interfaces to the basic cPCI chassis are Keyboard, Display and Tracking Devices. PC standard devices such as CRT Monitors, PS2 compatible keyboard and mouse work with cPCI. Data Patterns often supplies 1U height 19” rack mountable, 17” diagonal high resolution LCD display with integrated keyboard and pointing device.

cPCI systems are typically utilized for larger I/O count high reliability applications. These include automatic testing, checkout systems, simulation systems, data acquisition systems, process and factory automation systems and so on. In all these cases, it is necessary that the product withstand adverse environmental conditions. One of the important requirements in high I/O count applications is to provide high reliability cable terminations and cable routing facilities. Further, it is desirable to ensure that the cPCI components are available only when the operator desires to access them. Finally it is desirable to provide break connectors to the cPCI chassis such that chassis level interconnects are possible. Data Patterns chassis provides these facilities by features such as the recessed card cage, front and rear doors, cable routing knock out panels, provision for mounting high density connectors, test points, front panel interfaces, ZIF connectors, etc.

Data Patterns’ products are directly suitable for equipment requiring road-ability and 24 x 7 operations.

While this section deals with Data Patterns’ standard cPCI products, complex system solutions include products from our Industry Pack, Mezzanine Module & PMC product lines. Customized signal conditioning requirements can be integrated on the rear I/O terminations. Finally customized signal conditioning can be built up in the form of signal interface adapter to form a complete solution.

View list of products from Data Patterns in the Compact PCI family.

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