MicroTCA has already been rapidly accepted in Communications, Medical, Mil/Aero, Industrial, Networking, and Commercial applications. With the introduction of the 1U MictroTCA solution, called MicroBox, its growth should accelerate even faster.
MicroBox has the smallest form factor of any deployable MicroTCA unit in the industry. Most applications today use fewer slots than the full 14 or more found in typical sub rack systems. The MicroBox has up to 10 modules (mid-size, single width) in a compact 45mm height x 465mm width x 210mm depth. The 5 module bays can be filled with a wide range of configurations in single or double modules or full, mid, or compact sizes.
Cooling is a critical element in MicroTCA solutions. The side-to-side cooling configuration of the MicroBox eliminates bends in the airflow path. Additionally, a typical MicroTCA sub rack chassis can use up to 3U of vertical space for fan trays, but the MicroBox can cool the chassis within the overall 1U height (fans are mounted on the side of the unit). Thermal studies indicate that it dissipates 35 W per module (mid-size, single width). It has 8 (2 x 4) fans providing 20 CFM.
The unit uses a 384 W Power Module (PM), a J-TAG Switch Module (JSM) from MicroBlade, and a 1 MicroTCA Carrier Hub (MCH). However, the enclosure can accept any standard MicroTCA module. The JSM is a unique testing and diagnostics module that provides a remote connection for programming FPGAs, loading test vectors, upgrading software, and more. The Power Module features individual-channel control, monitoring, and shutdown for each AMC.
The backplane for the MicroBox has slots for 6 AMC, 1 power module, 1 MCH, 1 JSM, and connections to 2 cooling units. Compression-mount connectors are used in the backplane for increased reliability and easier and more flexible routing.
About Elma Electronic
Elma Electronic Inc., is a leading manufacturer and supplier of enclosures, backplanes, cabinets, cases, and “ready-to-run” packaging for ATCA, CPCI, MicroTCA, Rugged COTS, VME/64x, VXS, VPX, and custom bus structures. Elma’s component product line offers a wide selection of top quality switches knobs and LED arrays.
The MicroBox was developed through collaboration between Elma Electronic, Inc., and Microblade, Inc.
Elma Electronic Inc.
Web: www.elma.com
Microblade, Inc.
Web: www.microbladeinc.com
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