The CompactPCI (cPCI) bus is still a popular format for many applications. Although the newer PICMG-based specifications like AdvancedTCA and MicroTCA get most of the attention, cPCI still gets a larger portion of the new design wins. Why is this so?

There are several advantages to CompactPCI, a few of which include:

• Open specification
• Level of IO, pins available
• Hot Swap -- conducive to High Availability, low MTTR
• Flexible – 32-bit or 64-bit, 33 Mhz or 66 Mhz
• 3U and 6U sizes
• PICMG 2.16 and EXP0 (cPCI Express) scalability
• Large ecosystem, well understood
• Ubiquitous PCI-bus based
• Competitively priced for performance

CompactPCI is also one of the few backplane architectures to be successful in several industries – particularly Telecom, Mil/Aero, Industrial, and Medical. It is rugged enough for several Mil/Aero applications, with its Eurocard-based design. But, it’s also well-suited for Communications applications, including hot swap and IO available. With new chipsets and styles coming out on a regular basis, such as Pentium M, DuoCore, and conduction-cooled versions, the architecture has maintained a high degree of innovation and customer choices.

A wide range of backplane styles are available. Bustronic offers several styles, including EasyCable, EasyPlug, Low Profile, 32-bit, PICMG 2.16, and EXP0. The EasyCable has power bugs on the side of the backplane for easy and convenient cabling.

The EasyPlug has 47-pin pluggable connectors per PICMG 2.11 in both parallel and perpendicular orientation to the backplane slots.

Low Profile cPCI backplanes have power studs located between the slots and other key areas of the backplane to save space (uses one less slot width of space than the EasyCable line).

The PICMG 2.16 and EXP0 (cPCI Express) use legacy cPCI slots along with high-speed signals and topology for enhanced performance. Visit www.bustronic.com/switchFabric/cpsb.html or www.bustronic.com/cpci/EXP0.htm for more information.

Need system accessories for CompactPCI? Bustronic also offers a line of cPCI extender boards, load boards, power interface boards. For more information on Bustronic’s CompactPCI line, visit www.bustronic.com.