New Micro Mezzanine System from Technobox Lets Embedded Systems Developers Create Unique Boardlevel Solutions
PMCs have provided a means to augment embedded systems with a range of add-on capabilities such as async I/O, hard drive controllers, A:D conversion, and additional processing power to offload tasks from the principal controller. These add-ons characteristically have been provided as single function boards and work well. But designers have had to struggle with limitations. Like not having enough mezzanine sites on a host controller or carrier. Or insufficient expansion slots in system chassis. Or not quite having the right mix of mezzanines for a peculiar application. Recognizing these common frustrations leads to the question of overcoming them. With the introduction of its new Micro Mezzanine System, Technobox offers a ready answer.
Based upon a patent-pending architecture, Technobox's Micro Mezzanine System offers a foundation for innovation and flexibility. The system's highly-granular modularization provides a range of FPGA-based carrier boards (initially in PMC form factor with FPGA capacities ranging from 16K to 120K LEs) and an extensive variety of 1 ¼ - inch square micro mezzanine Electrical Conversion Modules (ECMs) that can be assembled in virtually thousands of combinations. As the number of ECMs and carriers expand, the possibilities grow.
Modular Sub-mezzanine System Introduced by Technobox 2
It's an environment in which a designer can quickly create an array of unique, reconfigurable, application-specific board-level solutions. Customized. But without the costs normally associated with custom board development and manufacture, while speeding development and reducing time to market.
The benefits are obvious. A designer might build a PMC solution around a 16K LE FPGA with 8-channel A/D conversion … plus RS232 and RS422 I/O. Or maybe a more complex version using a 70K FPGA. Or other combinations of functions to meet changeable application requirements. The key is being able to design highly flexible, modular, reconfigurable board-level solutions without compromising or simply making do with what's available. While realizing design efficiencies, containing costs, and reducing time to market. No other modular solution offers comparable latitude. Technobox's Micro Mezzanine System is the logical next step in mezzanine board solutions.
The entry-level, low-end carrier features an Altera Cyclone II FPGA with 20K LEs. Its list price is $595.00. ECMs are priced separately, starting at $49.00. Prices for other carriers and the ECMs vary according to level of sophistication and functionality. All PMC form factor carriers can accommodate four (4) ECMs. Quantity discounts are available.
Additional background is available online at: www.technobox.com/mmsoverview.htm
For more information regarding the Micro Mezzanine System or any Technobox product, contact Larry Reilly, Sales & Marketing, Technobox, 140 Mount Holly Bypass, Unit 1, Lumberton, NJ 08048, USA.
Tel: 609-267-8988, Fax: 609-261-1011; Web site: www.technobox.com.
About Technobox
Technobox has been specializing in PMC solutions since the introduction of the IEEE 1386-1 standards for the PCI Mezzanine Card (PMC) concept in 1993. Established in 1989, the company is highly regarded for its excellence in electronics design.
Technobox has been at the forefront of PMC design, offering a comprehensive assortment of modules, including the industry's leading line of development tools and adapters. The company maintains a variety of PMCs for off-the-shelf purchase and welcomes custom design projects, board design, and fabrication, to satisfy unique requirements that cannot be fulfilled with more generic solutions. Customized solutions encompass a range of form factors, not just PMCs. Technobox has developed numerous proprietary designs for VME, Compact PCI, and PC/104, as well as development kits and custom demonstration boards for IC vendors to showcase the latest chip technologies.