VPX Hybrid Backplanes

VPX is a new high-performance VME architecture using switched serial fabrics in typically a mesh topology which offers tremendous bandwidth potential. While different from the traditional VME64 P0/P1/P2 backplane architecture, VPX can be compatible with legacy systems in “hybrid” backplanes.

First, let’s take a look a few of the differences of VPX and VME64x backplane. VME64x uses the VME parallel bus across a 160-pin DIN connector. The slot-to-slot bandwidth of VME64x is approximately 80 Mbytes/sec. The slot-to-slot bandwidth of VPX is approximately 5,000 Mbytes/sec. The VME connectors are ideal for single ended signals but the VPX architecture uses the wafer-based MultiGig connector that has much greater bandwidth and can support either differential or single ended signals.(-More-)

The VITA 46 effort is mainly focused on VITA 46.9 and the changes relating to VITA 42. A new draft of 46.10 has been published and the first draft of VITA 46.20 is in development. An initiative within Curtiss-Wright has been started to develop a standard fiber optic interface.

A group has informed PICMG officers that they will begin a call for participation for a rugged mil-aero version of microTCA. Their initial presentation at the aTCA Summit indicated that this microTCA platform will accept standard AMC cards but have a shock isolated platform enclosure.