EMERSON PMCSPAN

Description

Product Parameters and Specifications

The PMCSPAN is engineered with precise technical specifications for embedded computing applications:

• Manufacturer: Emerson Network Power (formerly Motorola, now Vertiv)

• Series: PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card) Carrier Products

• Part Number: EMERSON PMCSPAN

• Product Type: PMC Carrier Board / Mezzanine Card Adapter

• Host Interface Options:

  • CompactPCI (cPCI) bus interface

  • VMEbus interface (depending on specific variant)

  • PCI bus interface

  • Custom backplane connectivity

• PMC Site Configuration:

  • Supports single-width PMC modules (standard form factor)

  • Accommodates various PMC module types including:

    • Network interface cards (Ethernet, Fibre Channel)

    • Graphics controllers

    • Data acquisition modules

    • Serial communication interfaces

    • DSP and FPGA processing modules

• PCI Bus Specifications:

  • 32-bit or 64-bit PCI operation

  • 33 MHz or 66 MHz PCI clock support

  • PCI 2.2/2.3 compliance

  • 3.3V or 5V signaling voltage (automatic detection)

• Power Distribution:

  • Provides regulated power to attached PMC modules

  • Individual module power monitoring

  • Overcurrent protection per PMC site

  • Typical power capacity: 15-25W total depending on configuration

• Environmental Monitoring:

  • Temperature sensors for thermal management

  • Voltage monitoring capabilities

  • Status LED indicators for each PMC site

• Mechanical Specifications:

  • Standard 6U or 3U form factor (depending on variant)

  • Front panel accessibility for PMC I/O connections

  • Robust mounting for shock and vibration resistance

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to +55°C (commercial grade); extended temperature variants available

• Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C

• Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing

Advantages and Features

The EMERSON PMCSPAN offers a comprehensive set of features that make it a preferred solution for embedded system expansion:

• Modular Expansion Capability: The PMCSPAN enables system designers to add specialized functionality to existing embedded platforms without redesigning the baseboard. This modular approach reduces development time and cost while providing flexibility for evolving application requirements.

• Multi-Protocol Support: Designed for versatility, the EMERSON PMCSPAN supports various PMC module types from multiple vendors, allowing integration of best-in-class components for specific functions such as high-speed networking, graphics processing, or custom I/O.

• Signal Integrity Preservation: Careful PCB layout and impedance-controlled traces ensure that high-speed signals maintain integrity between the host interface and PMC modules. The PMCSPAN preserves the performance characteristics of attached modules, critical for applications requiring reliable data transfer.

• Comprehensive Power Management: Individual power regulation and monitoring for each PMC site protect both the carrier and attached modules from power-related issues. Overcurrent protection prevents a single faulty module from affecting the entire system.

• Hot-Swap Capability: In appropriate system configurations, the EMERSON PMCSPAN supports hot-swapping of PMC modules, enabling field upgrades and maintenance without system downtime—essential for mission-critical applications.

• Rugged Mechanical Design: Built to withstand shock and vibration common in industrial, military, and transportation environments, the PMCSPAN ensures reliable operation under challenging conditions. Secure mounting mechanisms prevent module dislodgement during system movement.

• Wide Operating System Compatibility: The PMCSPAN works with various operating systems including VxWorks, Linux, Windows Embedded, and others through standard PCI drivers, simplifying software integration.

• Long-Term Availability: Emerson’s commitment to extended product lifecycles ensures that the PMCSPAN remains available and supported for many years, critical for industries requiring long-term system maintenance.

Application Fields and Cases

The EMERSON PMCSPAN is deployed across numerous industries requiring embedded system expansion:

• Telecommunications Infrastructure: Used in network switching equipment, base station controllers, and routing platforms where specialized communication interfaces must be added to standard carrier boards. The PMCSPAN enables telecom equipment manufacturers to offer configurable products with varying I/O options without custom board designs for each configuration.

• Military and Aerospace: Applied in radar systems, avionics test equipment, and command-and-control systems where rugged, reliable expansion is essential. The EMERSON PMCSPAN allows military system integrators to add graphics processors for display systems or specialized communication interfaces for secure data links.

• Industrial Control and Automation: Employed in high-end machine control systems and process automation where additional I/O capabilities must be integrated into existing VMEbus or CompactPCI systems. The PMCSPAN provides a standardized method for adding functions such as motion control, vision system interfaces, or specialized sensor processing.

• Medical Equipment: Used in diagnostic imaging systems, patient monitoring equipment, and laboratory analyzers where specialized processing modules must be integrated into embedded platforms. The PMCSPAN enables medical device manufacturers to incorporate advanced DSP modules for signal processing or graphics controllers for image display.

• Test and Measurement Systems: Applied in automated test equipment (ATE) and data acquisition systems where flexible I/O configuration is required. The PMCSPAN allows test system integrators to quickly reconfigure measurement capabilities by swapping PMC modules rather than replacing entire boards.

Comparison with Competing Products

When evaluated against alternative carrier solutions, the EMERSON PMCSPAN demonstrates distinct advantages:

• vs. GE (Formerly Radstone) PMC Carriers: GE offers capable PMC carrier products, but the PMCSPAN often provides better integration with Emerson’s broader embedded computing platforms. For systems already using Emerson single-board computers or chassis, the EMERSON PMCSPAN ensures consistent mechanical fit, electrical compatibility, and thermal management characteristics.

• vs. Curtiss-Wright Controls PMC Carriers: Curtiss-Wright specializes in rugged military-grade carriers, often at premium prices. The PMCSPAN offers an excellent balance of ruggedness and cost-effectiveness for industrial and commercial applications where military specification is not required but reliability remains essential.

• vs. Kontron PMC Carriers: Kontron produces quality embedded components, but the PMCSPAN benefits from Emerson’s extensive experience in telecommunications and industrial markets, with proven reliability in high-availability applications. The EMERSON PMCSPAN also offers broader compatibility with legacy PMC modules from various manufacturers.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

When considering the EMERSON PMCSPAN for your application, keep these critical factors in mind:

• Form Factor Verification: The PMCSPAN is available in various form factors (3U, 6U) and host interface configurations. Verify that the specific variant you are acquiring matches your system’s mechanical dimensions and bus architecture requirements.

• PMC Module Compatibility: While the PMCSPAN supports standard PMC modules, verify that your specific PMC cards are compatible with the carrier in terms of:

  • PCI signaling voltage (3.3V or 5V)

  • Power consumption (ensure within carrier limits)

  • Physical dimensions and component heights

  • Front panel I/O accessibility requirements

• Host System Interface: Confirm that the EMERSON PMCSPAN host interface (CompactPCI, VME, etc.) matches your system backplane. Different variants may have different connector types and pinouts.

• Power Budget Calculation: Calculate total power requirements for all attached PMC modules and ensure the PMCSPAN power supply can support the combined load with appropriate margin. Consider worst-case power consumption during startup and peak operation.

• Thermal Management: Evaluate cooling requirements for the PMCSPAN and attached modules. High-performance PMC modules may generate significant heat requiring forced airflow. Verify your system enclosure provides adequate cooling for the combined configuration.

• Firmware and Driver Support: Ensure appropriate firmware is loaded on the PMCSPAN for your specific application. Verify that drivers are available for your operating system to support both the carrier and attached PMC modules.

• Rear I/O Considerations: If your application requires rear panel I/O access, verify that the EMERSON PMCSPAN variant supports rear transition module connectivity and that your backplane provides appropriate routing.

• Environmental Specifications: Match the PMCSPAN temperature grade (commercial, industrial, extended) to your application environment. Using commercial-grade components in industrial environments may lead to premature failure.

• Vibration and Shock Mounting: For mobile or high-vibration applications, ensure proper retention mechanisms are used for both the PMCSPAN and attached PMC modules. Additional securing may be required beyond standard card guides.

• Source from Reputable Suppliers: Given the specialized nature of these components and the critical role they play in embedded systems, sourcing from a trusted vendor like AxControl is essential. They can provide verified, tested EMERSON PMCSPAN units with appropriate warranties and technical support to ensure reliable operation in your application.

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