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Oct 13 2014

News

You need it right. You want Dawn.

October 7, 2014
Dawn Open VPX Backplane Fabric Mapping Modules Simplify Topology Customization

VITA Technologies Magazine Winter 2013
Dawn VME Products – Taking the guesswork out of VPX power designs with intelligent extender cards

COTS Journal September 2013
Dawn VME Products – Customized Approach Leverages OpenVPX Flexibility

Electronic Products April 2013
Dawn VME Products – Customized OpenVPX for mission-critical systems

October 9, 2012
Dawn First With Universal AC Input VITA 62 3U Power Supply

VME and Critical Systems December 2011
Dawn VME Products – Intelligent chassis management for mission-critical VPX systems

July 26, 2011
Dawn VME Products Introduces PSC-6234 VITA 62 Compliant 3U VPX Power Supply

VME and Critical Systems Magazine Spring 2011
Dawn VME Products – Outpacing VME: OpenVPX fast-tracks technologies to the front lines

Electronics Protection Magazine January/February 2011
Dawn VME Products – Thermal Efficiency for Conduction Cooled MIL-Spec Enclosures

September 21, 2010
Dawn VME Products Announces “VPX CUBE” 3U Rugged Conduction Cooled Enclosure

Nov 20 2013

Taking the guesswork out of VPX power designs with intelligent extender cards

Read the article online

Understanding the power requirements of an individual embedded computing card is an important part of overall systems design. What the card will require from the system power supply and, ideally, how those requirements will vary based on workload, is information that factors into system design decisions. Obviously there must always be sufficient power for all system components, across all required voltages and individual power rails. Determining the power needs is the first step.

A very traditional engineering approach is to make a best estimate of the power requirements for each card in a system using whatever information is available, usually from vendor spec sheets. It is probably an exaggeration to call this guesswork, but not by much. Next, sum those requirements across all the cards and, finally, apply a safety factor. This “safe” number is then used to define the capacity of the system power supply.

Sep 28 2013

Customized Approach Leverages OpenVPX Flexibility

For demanding military applications like radar and SIGINT, OpenVPX offers many performance advantages. A custom backplane topology opens up many options that go beyond “standard” profiles.

BRIAN ROBERTS, SENIOR DESIGNER DAWN, VME PRODUCTS

OpenVPX is a robust embedded computing standard, developed to meet the needs of demanding defense and industrial applications. A primary goal during the definition of OpenVPX was that it facilitates multivendor COTS system-level interoperability including modules, backplanes and development chassis. Since embedded defense systems must often be developed and deployed rapidly, it is very important that potential conflicts are eliminated as quickly as possible during the design phase.

Established by the VITA Standards Organization and formally designated as ANSI/VITA 65.0, OpenVPX references other VITA standards to define a comprehensive systems architecture including mechanical specifications for modules, connector descriptions, thermal characteristics, communications protocols, utility and power definitions. It also defines a multiplane architecture approach for communication between system components, including support for several high-bandwidth switch fabric protocols including 10 GbE, PCI Express, Serial RapidIO and SATA for nonvolatile memory. New revisions of these standards are pushing the limits of differential copper pairs; OpenVPX provides for coax and fiber optic connections to support higher-speed data and other signal formats, but the current generation of systems must still rely on copper connections throughout the backplane.

Figure 1 Backplane topologies are identified as Central or “Star,” Distributed or “Mesh,” and Hybrid, a combination of VME slots and VPX slots. — Figure 1
Backplane topologies are identified as Central or “Star,” Distributed or “Mesh,” and Hybrid, a combination of VME slots and VPX slots.

Many Topology Options

An OpenVPX backplane can be configured into many network topologies such as mesh, star, dual-star, ring or daisy chain. These on-backplane networks permit multiple signals to be routed such that several cards can talk to each other simultaneously, achieving an aggregate bandwidth well over 100 Gbytes/s. OpenVPX uses a concept called “profiles” to define the choices for switch fabrics and other technologies. In a system chassis, there are slot profiles that define the mapping of I/O onto the backplane connectors; Payload, Peripheral, Switch, Storage and Bridge are types of slot profiles, with multiple unique and specific profiles organized under each type. Profile parameters are used to further describe properties of a backplane profile.

An OpenVPX backplane profile is a physical definition of a backplane implementation that includes details such as the number and type of slots that are implemented and the topologies used to interconnect them. Ultimately a backplane profile is a description of channels and buses that interconnect slots and other physical entities in a backplane, describing the fabric interconnections from slot to slot. Backplane topologies are identified as Central or “Star,” Distributed or “Mesh,” and Hybrid, a combination of VME slots and VPX slots (Figure 1).

Components from different vendors that adhere to the same OpenVPX profile can be configured into functional systems. This critical characteristic of OpenVPX delivers the benefits of interoperability, straightforward technical upgrades and competition-driven cost containment to the end users of systems, such as the Department of Defense. However, the devil is in the details, as the large number of parameters involved in each profile make matching component profiles a demanding design function.

Mission-Critical Systems

The flexibility offered by the wide range of OpenVPX profiles allows designers to optimize the communication topology between slots within a system’s backplane, delivering tremendous improvements in the performance of real-time applications. Slots can be designed to accept the best I/O modules for a specific application and the number of those slots also matched to application needs. Similarly, the number of processing modules is set to meet the performance requirements, and then the connections between all these modules are designed to match the applications processing style and deliver maximum sensor processing throughput.

However, implementing this level of optimized topology can be a complex and time-consuming task, constrained by a number of factors. In the defense arena, an example would be a computing system providing image processing on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), using a set of high-performance computing modules and multiple input channels from image sensors.

This computing system must deliver real-time performance while staying within clearly defined Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) constraints that are defined by both the characteristics of the UAV and type of missions it must perform. The system design must make optimal use of every slot and every communication link between the modules in the slots. OpenVPX profiles enable this optimization, but a cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all approach is not going to work.

There is also the real-world challenge of design changes. To go back to the UAV example, it may be that after the system design is already underway, a high-level decision is made to utilize a new, advanced type of sensor with a much greater input bandwidth. This, in turn, drives a change in the backplane profile to accommodate the added bandwidth; somehow, the backplane must be adjusted in accordance with a new OpenVPX profile.

Figure 2 This advanced implementation improves the signal integrity between system cards beyond the requirements of the PCI Express, Serial Rapid I/O and 10Gbit (XAUI) Ethernet standards. — Figure 2
This advanced implementation improves the signal integrity between system cards beyond the requirements of the PCI Express, Serial Rapid I/O and 10Gbit (XAUI) Ethernet standards.

Customized Backplanes

A long-standing approach to customizing system backplanes is the use of PCB overlays, which fit over an existing backplane, linking backplane pins to the new, desired and optimized connection topology. This is an effective way to modify an existing design quickly, saving time and money.

However, as communications fabrics move into the 5 GHz range, a new set of challenges arise. The impedance variations imposed by the high-performance OpenVPX multi-gig differential connector create significant issues when attached to a standard overlay. There are also cost issues involved in creating traditional overlays for complex OpenVPX designs, negating some of the savings that come from using a backplane overlay.

A new technology, connector-less micro-overlays, presents a cost-effective solution that can also supply the necessary signal integrity to meet this challenge. Micro-overlays use BGA solder connection technology to interface a PCB-based differential pair matrix with compatible backplanes. The “micro” nature of the overlay reduces the transmission line impedance variations and “stubs” associated with connector-based interfaces by connecting directly to the main backplane via a solder interface. This advanced technique improves the signal integrity between system cards beyond the requirements of the PCI Express, Serial Rapid I/O and 10Gbit (XAUI) Ethernet standards (Figure 2).

A Practical Example

Figure 3 FMM micro-overlays also provide a natural migratory development environment for moving from the lab to the field with the high-speed backplanes — Figure 3
FMM micro-overlays also provide a natural migratory development environment for moving from the lab to the field with the high-speed backplanes

Dawn VME Products has enhanced the micro-overlay approach with a patent-pending Fabric Mapping Module (FMM) technology that simplifies and automates the optimization of backplane topologies in compliance with OpenVPX profiles. FMM allows designers to work with flexible configurations of high-speed links, so inter-slot communications can be customized to meet unique system requirements. These micro-overlays can also facilitate rear transition modules and low profile connector interface systems when normal transition modules do not fit the system application envelope.

FMM micro-overlays allow off-the-shelf backplanes to be quickly customized to mission requirements, without the time and expense required to spin a new backplane. This can be a critical advantage when schedules are compressed by late design changes, as described in the example above. Dawn’s FMM micro-overlays also provide a natural migratory development environment for moving from the lab to the field with the high-speed backplanes due to the rugged , low mass, connector-less characteristics of the technology (Figure 3).

OpenVPX profiles enable system designers to confidently create systems using components from multiple vendors, and the range of definable profiles allows a wide range of choices in connection standards and topologies. However, the profiles also introduce a new level of complexity to the design process, especially with regard to backplane profiles. During a design, this complexity issue adds to the already time-consuming task of creating a system backplane. Backplane micro-overlays offer a cost-effective and time-efficient method for customizing an OpenVPX backplane. They support the interoperability of OpenVPX, while providing the flexibility to quickly modify designs based on off-the-shelf backplanes.

Dawn VME Products, San Jose, CA. (510) 657-4444.

Apr 28 2013

Customized OpenVPX for mission-critical systems

The OpenVPX embedded computing standard targets demanding defense and industrial applications

For decades, the VME standard has defined an embedded computing architecture that was effectively deployed in mission-critical systems. But, as both processor technology and interprocessor communications evolved, bus-based VME could not keep pace and a new standard, OpenVPX, is now widely used for embedded systems with high performance requirements.

The OpenVPX embedded computing standard targets the needs of demanding defense and industrial applications. Established by the VITA Standards Organization and formally designated as ANSI/VITA 65.0, OpenVPX references other VITA standards to define a comprehensive systems architecture including mechanical specifications for modules, connector descriptions, thermal characteristics, communications protocols, utility, and power definitions. It also defines a multi-plane architecture approach for communication between system components, including support for several high bandwidth switch fabric protocols (figure 1).

Figure 1 – OpenVPX multiplane architecture approach for communication between system components.

OpenVPX uses a concept called ‘profiles’ to define choices for switch fabrics and other technologies. Components from different vendors that adhere to the same OpenVPX profile can be configured into functional systems. This characteristic of OpenVPX gives the benefits of interoperability, straight forward technical upgrades, and competition-driven cost containment.

Implementing OpenVPX solutions

While standardization delivers multiple economic benefits, mission-critical systems are usually pushing the design envelope in several dimensions. In the defense area, an example would be a computing system providing radar image processing on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This computing system must deliver real-time performance while staying within clearly defined size, weight and power (SWaP) constraints, and withstanding shock, vibration, and temperature extremes of a harsh environment.

System designers are challenged to meet these requirements while still adhering to the OpenVPX standard. A cookie cutter, one-size-fits-all approach is not going to work. Meeting the challenge requires an approach which uses innovative customization to configure systems comprised of OpenVPX-compliant components.

An OpenVPX backplane can be designed with the exact number of slots required for a specific application, then an enclosure designed around the backplane to create a customized chassis for a unique set of environmental parameters. The chassis can then be configured with OpenVPX modules selected from the open market.

Customization for mission-critical necessities

When the requirements are daunting, experienced-based innovation must drive this customization process. Discussed below are seven areas where OpenVPX innovation has been applied with very positive results.

Specialized materials: For systems where weight is a significant challenge, such as one deployed in a small UAV, specialized metals and alloys can be used to mold a lightweight chassis that stays within payload constraints and is also very rugged.

Cooling methods: For many embedded systems, air cooling is not an option and some form of conduction cooling is used. Designing a conduction cooled solution requires a systems level approach. Designers must consider not just how many watts of heat must be dissipated, but details such as where the internal heat sources are concentrated, and the heat transfer characteristics of all the system materials.

In some cases an ‘air-over-conduction’ approach is effective. This involves designing fins on the outside of a conduction cooled enclosure with an external fan moving air over these fins. Product engineers use thermal modeling software to analyze and modify heat dissipation, insuring operation within the required temperature range.

Customized backplanes: OpenVPX profiles allow designers to optimize the communication topology between slots within a system’s backplane, delivering tremendous improvements in the performance of real-time applications. However, implementing a customized topology can be a complex and time consuming task. Specialized design tools, such as Dawn’s Fabric Mapping Module (FMM) technology can simplify and automates this process. The tool uses a micro-overlay to interface a PCB based differential pair matrix with compatible backplanes, so inter-slot communications can be customized to meet unique system requirements.

There are a number of development systems available, like the Dawn DEV-4200 (figure 2), that help implement the flexible OpenVPX profile technology.

Figure 2 – Dawn DEV-4200 3U OpenVPX Development System.

Mechanical reinforcements/shock isolation: Platform and mission characteristics may require a system to be isolated from the platform with mechanical components that absorb shock and dampen vibration. The isolating components must be carefully modeled and designed for each implementation.

Electrical redundancies: The reliability of mission-critical systems can be enhanced through redundant power supplies. Depending upon the interplay of system requirements, the designer must trade off weight/space requirements and decide whether all or part of the systems should have this feature.

Sophisticated systems monitoring: Part of the OpenVPX multiplane architecture is the Management Plane, a sophisticated Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI)-based infrastructure. IPMI communications are very flexible, allowing the construction of a consistent system management environment for alarms, configuration control, and diagnostics, running on a completely different medium from a system’s data and control planes. While many OpenVPX systems make only limited use of this capability, it can be extremely effective during both the development and deployment of mission-critical systems to enhance reliability and to anticipate and understand system failures.

For example, power supplies can have integrated monitoring for temperature at multiple points, including each wedge lock. In an air cooled system, this information can be used to determine if the fans are working properly and any filters are in need of cleaning.

Full system monitoring can be performed by small external devices using an Ethernet link to a chassis for tracking and controlling voltages, current and temperatures. Fan speeds can be controlled by user commands or temperature targets. System monitoring is also useful during the system development phase.

Figure 3 – The Dawn ITM-6973 3U OpenVPX Intelligent Test Module.

System design validation and characterization: Intelligent test modules (figure 3) can perform a range of applications and tests, such as OpenVPX rule compliance testing and certification, system design validation and characterization. While most applications cannot devote a system slot to monitoring, these modules can be used as a monitoring, data logging and reporting device when included within deployed systems. During deployment, extraordinary events can be data logged and time stamped, such as shock and vibration levels outside of normal thresholds.

Oct 28 2012

DAWN VME PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES PSC-6236 UNIVERSAL AC INPUT VITA 62 3U POWER SUPPLY

VITA 62 compliant 400 watt true 6 channel air or conduction cooled 3U OpenVPX AC/DC power supply

FREMONT, Calif. – October 9, 2012 – Dawn VME Products, a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance and reliable embedded packaging technology products based on the VITATM and PICMG® architectures, announces the PSC-6236 universal AC input VITA 62 compliant 6 channel 3U OpenVPX power supply with up to 400 watts output for air or conduction cooled systems.

The VITA 62 power supply standard defines connector configuration, power generation requirements, utility, functionality and form factor requirements for power modules mating to a VPX backplane VITA 62 power supply slot.

The PSC-6236 features a mission critical wide temperature range at high power on a 1 inch pitch.

Input range is 85-264 VAC, 47-400 Hz. The Dawn PSC-6236 can be special ordered to support high current single channel applications. The PSC-6236 offers current sharing with up to four power supplies in a system for outputs of 12V, 5V and 3.3V.

Models are available for air cooled, conduction to bulkhead cooled, and conduction to wedge lock cooled applications and configurations. The PSC-6236 is designed to be compliant with MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704F and MIL-STD-810F.

Dawn’s proprietary embedded RuSHTM Rugged System Health Monitor technology actively measures voltage, current and temperature on each rail for intelligent monitoring and protective control of critical power supply performance parameters.

The PSC-6236 is interfaced to the Intelligent Platform Management Bus (IPMB) providing an I2C communication link with system cards. Onboard microprocessor and firmware provide real-time over voltage, over current and over temperature protective control, with factory programmable power sequencing and shutdown for all voltage rails.

Standard firmware provides Power on Hours and max/min temperature with time stamps via an on-board RTC. Firmware enables additional PSC-6236 additional features including customer specified monitoring windows for power sequencing, special alerts, alarms, status reports and other monitoring and control factors. An optional 3-axis accelerometer records and time stamps shock and vibration and other critical events.

The PSC-6236 front I/O panel includes an LED status indicator, a USB port for field firmware upgrades and VBAT battery access for support of the VPX memory backup power bus.

“Being first to market with a universal AC input VITA 62 power supply demonstrates Dawn’s commitment to VITA 62 power supply leadership,” says Barry Burnsides, Dawn VME Products Founder and CEO. “In addition to a wide range of standard features, the highly configurable Dawn PSC-6236 offers the mission critical market many non-standard features through custom firmware.”

Dawn PSC-6236 Summary of Features

• Universal AC input VITA 62 3U 400W AC/DC power supply with full OpenVPX support.
• Air cooled, bulkhead conduction cooled and reverse side wedge lock conduction cooled models.
• AC input: Single phase 85 VAC to 264 VAC, 47 Hz to 400 Hz.
• DC output PO1: +12V/16.7A, PO2: +5V/40A, PO3: +3.3V/30A, +3.3V_Aux/4A, +12V_Aux/4A, -12V _Aux /3A.
• High power mission critical wide temperature range up to -40 °C to +85 °C at the thermal interface.
• Ruggedized – VITA 47 compliant.
• Microprocessor technology actively monitors voltage, current and temperature, and provides protective control.
• Over voltage, over current and over temperature protection.
• I2C status and control user and IPMB interface.
• Current share compatible with additional PSC-6236 units.
• Can be special ordered to support high current single channel applications.
Applications

Dawn’s PSC-6236 supports virtually any mission critical application where universal AC input VITA 62 compliant 6 channel power output with precision monitoring and control is required.

Dawn offers application-specific VITA 62 compliant power supply design, manufacturing and production through modifications to its PSC-6236 platform, and can incorporate requirements into a customized power management solution for prototyping and development.

Pricing and Availability

Dawn VME Products PSC-6236 is available now. Contact Dawn for more information, including options and pricing.

About Dawn VME Products

Since 1985, Dawn VME Products has been designing and manufacturing high performance and reliable embedded packaging technology products for mission critical development and deployment. A founding member of VITATM, Dawn VME Products is dedicated to maximizing customer satisfaction through on-time delivery of zero-defect products.

Dawn’s VPX product line features VPX development systems, VPX, VPX-REDI and OpenVPX compliant backplanes, VPX extender boards, VPX power supplies, conduction cooled enclosures, accessories and customized solutions. Dawn engineering supports a wide range of custom requirements, and modifies its products to meet specific military/aerospace, telecommunication, medical, industrial and commercial applications.

Contact Dawn VME Products for consultation on VITA 62 compliant power management systems and applications. Phone 1-510-657-4444; Fax: 1-510-657-3274; Website: www.dawnvme.com. Email: sales@dawnvme.com

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You need it right. You want Dawn.

DAWN VME PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES PSC-6236 UNIVERSAL AC INPUT VITA 62 3U POWER SUPPLY

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