Compact PCI backplanes

September 2003 Industrial Computer Hardware Security Services & Risk Management

CompactPCI is a bus standard developed by the PICMG which allows high-performance PCI bus technology to be used in industrial environments. The passive CompactPCI backplanes (max eight slots) are mounted in standard 19" subracks, which can be fitted with Eurocard-format daughter cards to meet the needs of the application.

The metric 2,0 mm grid connector system (to IEC 1076-4-101) is used as the connecting element. This multipole system allows 220 signal contacts (five rows each with 44 contacts) for a 3U slot of which two additional rows of contacts are used for shielding.

A CompactPCI slot comprises two connector modules. The A module transmits signals for 32-bit transfer and also contains a 'multifunction block' which is used for slot coding. 64-Bit transfers run via the modified B module. On this connector, 20 signal contacts are reserved for future applications and extension.

The CompactPCI bus family from ERNI includes both 3U and 6U backplanes and fully complies with the cPCI specification, Rev.1.0 of 1 November 1995. The ERNI bus structure is characterised by the following main features:

* 10 layer design with exterior layer providing full shielding.

* Superior decoupling of supply voltages.

* Either 5,0 or 3,3 V operation possible (separate V(I/O) level).

* Controlled impedance (65 Ω) using stripline technology.

* Bus clock frequency of 33 MHz can be extended.

* System slot on right or left.

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