VITA 41 vs. VITA 46 – A Closer Look

Although V41 (VXS) is quickly gaining more and more popularity, some in the industry have been waiting to see what happens with V46 (VPX). This is probably more out of confusion than anything else, and the VME community has not provided a clear enough message.

First, V46 is not a progression from V41, it is a different path for different needs. The two specifications might not compete often, and in some cases hybrids will be a good fit. At times, V41 will fit a niche better and other times V46 will fit another niche better. V46 is offered in both 3U and 6U providing high-performance in a small space. V41 offers backwards compatibility and the improved performance of switched fabrics.

V41 takes a standard VME64x slot and swaps out the 2mm HM connector in P0 for a high-speed MultiGig connector. A switch slot is added (or two in a Dual Star configuration), for high-speed connectivity and backwards compatible VME performance. V46 has all Mesh segments with the MultiGig connector filling the slots and replacing the DIN P1 and P2 connectors and the 2mm HM connector in P0. (-More-)

MicroTCA is taking a bit longer than expected. The positioning of the architecture is in question. Features involving shelf management, level of performance, and price expectations are being reviewed.

Elma Bustronic and National Instruments announced PXI Express backplanes at the National Instruments event in Austin Tx in August 2005.