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Product of the Month

Acromag introduces re-configurable FPGA PMC I/O modules that are affordable for a broader range of applications.

New customizable I/O modules are priced far below currently available FPGA I/O boards making them cost-effective for common applications such as protocol conversion, simulation, and in-circuit test.

Breaking the perception that re-configurable FPGA I/O boards are only affordable for mission-critical applications like software radios and radar, Acromag released a new line of customizable PMC digital I/O modules with a cost/performance mix that is suitable for many mid-level computing functions.  The new PMC-DX500 and PMC-DX2000 modules feature Xilinx® Virtex-II® FPGAs with 500K and 2M system gates, respectively. These modules bring the ability to configure custom I/O boards using application-specific instruction sets within the reach of more system developers. Offering up to 1Mb of on-chip memory and 9Mb of on-board SRAM, the PMC-DX modules give users the flexibility to embed their code into the FPGA or to modify signal processing operations by loading new code into flash memory as requirements change.  Several I/O configurations are available to process TTL, differential RS422, and LVDS digital I/O signals. All models feature a fast PCI interface with 32-bit 66MHz bus mastering and support dual DMA channel data transfer to the CPU.  The PMC-DX500 modules sell for $1400 with extended temperature models (–40 to 85°C operation) available for an additional $200.

Visit www.acromag.com for more information or call 248-624-1541.To request product literature or our 2003 catalog, use our on-line form.

Application Spotlight
Envitech Automation, Inc. Quebec, Canada recently selected Acromag's  AcPC482  counter/timer and AcPC341 analog input CompactPCI boards over other suppliers after a thorough investigation and several technical discussions. The criteria that convinced Envitech to select Acromag were the technical specifications of the products, technical support and responsiveness to questions, thoroughness of user's manuals, and prompt delivery schedule. The boards will be utilized as part of the overall Systems of Control and Data Acquisition(SCADA) as used in the management and control of electricity generated from Wind Turbine generators.

Envitech is an internationally known systems integration company that provides custom services in the control and management of power and energy. Their SCADA systems manage and control electrical substations and networks. These systems monitor the quality of power distributed and allow for better management of energy consumption, particularly in the peak power demand periods, by shedding loads non-essential to production.

Envitech's energy and integration capabilities are major assets for process renovation and improvement. In addition they are involved in the design and supply of a number of important elements for many electrically-operated rail transport systems.

Ask the I/O Experts
Question: Regarding the PMC-DX, can we use this PMC on a cPCI Carrier board (or PCI Carrier) without a bridge, or is it more reliable to use a cPCI carrier with a PCI/PCI bridge?

Answer: We have had success using PMC modules on cPCI carrier boards with and without bridges. The PMC-DX boards should be no different. Having said this, I usually recommend that the carrier card have a bridge chip. I have only one concern in using a cPCI carrier card without a bridge chip and that relates to the number of loads on the bus. If the backplane is designed for five slots (five loads) and a customer installs carrier boards with two PMC slots, they are effectively doubling the potential number loads from five (five slots) to ten (potentially 10 PMC boards). Even if they only use one carrier with two PMC slots and then fill the remaining four cPCI slots, they effectively have six loads in a system designed for five. If a bridge chip is used on the carrier card, the PCI bus only sees one load (the bridge) independent of the number of PMC modules on the carrier.

Meet the People at Acromag
Many of you who attend the Real-Time Shows have probably met Ron Moquin, Acromag's Board Product Sales Manager. Ron came to Acromag 4 1/2 years ago, and he brings over 25 years of experience selling and marketing high-performance I/O boards.

Ron can help you select the right I/O boards to meet your requirements and provide application support after the sale. Ron also works closely with Acromag's global team of sales representatives and distributors giving them product training and sales assistance.

Give Ron a call at 248.624.1541 and see how he can help you solve your I/O board challenges.

Real-Time Show
See Acromag at the Real-Time & Embedded Computing Conference which is designed for those developing computer systems and time-critical applications serving multiple industries; data communication and telephony, military and aerospace, industrial control, instrumentation, consumer electronics, image processing, process control, medical instrumentation, vehicular control and maintenance, embedded applicances and more.

Next Show: February 26, 2004 - Phoenix, AZ and March 9, 2004 - Denver CO

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Acromag, Inc.
30765 S. Wixom Rd.
P.O. Box 437
Wixom, Michigan 48393-7037
Phone: 248-624-1541
Fax: 248-624-9234
e-mail: solutions@acromag.com
www.acromag.com