MEN Micro's New FPGA-based 6U SBC Offers Triple Redundancy for Highly Critical Applications

AMBLER, Pa., April 9 /PRNewswire/ -- MEN Micro Inc., a world-renowned provider of embedded computing and I/O solutions for mission-critical industrial, mobile and harsh environment applications, now offers the 6U FPGA-based, triple-redundant D602 CompactPCI (cPCI) single board computer (SBC) that uses a lock-step architecture to keep software development costs low and to make the new board ideal for highly mission-critical applications as found in the avionics and railway markets.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100409/PH83906 )

The lock-step architecture provides a redundant computing system that runs the same set of operations in parallel, so the programming only views hardware components once.  

Developed according to DO-254 as a safe computer for controlling the freight load system of the Airbus A400M, the single-slot D602 is now available as a COTS component.  It combines exceptional reliability and low-cost implementation to provide high reliability up to Design Assurance Level (DAL) A (catastrophic) in avionics and up to Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 4 in trains, the most stringent level in each class.

PikeOS from Sysgo and several VxWorks operating systems platforms targeting safety-critical deployments are now available.  In addition to the general purpose real-time operating system (RTOS) VxWorks 6.6, Wind River also supplies VxWorks platforms that support safety certifications up to DO-178B and EUROCAE ED-12B Level A, and to DAL-A or IEC 61508 SIL 4.  Wind River provides support with board support packages (BSPs) for its safety certification operating systems, VxWorks DO-178B and VxWorks 61508.  

The 900 MHz PowerPC 750, the 512 MB main memory and the internal structure of the FPGA are triple redundant. Critical functions, such as voters, implemented as IP cores in the FPGA ensure that at least two of the three redundant components provide the same result to guarantee safety. The system remains completely operational even if one of the three redundant components fails, providing the required availability for highly critical systems.

The new SBC incorporates increased data safety and high-availability features.  Additional redundant components include the Flash banks, the PSUs and the clock oscillators as well as the additional ECC protection for the Flash and the FRAM. Diagnosis mechanisms (BITE, e.g. extensive self tests) help detect latent errors before they lead to a system error. For the same purpose, the design is oriented towards strictly deterministic operation avoiding interrupts and DMA.

The D602 provides two PMC slots, one of which is used for an AFDX connection. Both PMC modules are accessible at the front in the standard version, but can be accessed via rear I/O when used in a conductive-cooling system.

Pricing for the D602 starts at $14,193.  Delivery is six weeks ARO.

For additional information, visit http://www.menmicro.com/products/02D602-.html or contact Stephen Cunha, MEN Micro Inc., 24 N. Main Street, Ambler, Pa. 19002; Phone: 215-542-9575; Fax: 215-542-9577; E-mail: [email protected].

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About MEN Micro Inc.

Since 1982, MEN Micro has focused on innovation, reliability and flexibility to develop standard and custom board-level solutions used throughout industrial embedded applications and harsh environments.  

The company provides a robust offering of highly reliable embedded computing and I/O solutions that employ the highest technology and innovations.  In addition, MEN Micro offers exceptional custom development and environmental qualification services in accordance with industry standards.  The company's standard product range contains more than 100 different computer boards and systems with corresponding BIOS, BSP and driver software based on different PowerPC and Pentium platforms.

The company has nearly 200 employees and is a member of several industry associations, consortiums and alliances.

    
    
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SOURCE MEN Micro Inc.