New 6U FPGA-based VMEbus SBC from MEN Micro Boasts Triple Redundancy

AMBLER, Pa. September 2010 – MEN Microled to the front. The A602 also provides two PMC
Inc., a world-renowned provider of embeddedslots, one accessed via the front or rear I/O that
computing and I/O solutions for mission-criticalcan be used with all standard PMC modules and
industrial, mobile and harsh environmentthe other for an AFDX PMC connection via rear I
applications, now offers the 6U FPGA-based,O.
triple-redundant A602 64-bit VMEbus single boardOperating temperature is -40°C to +50°C with
computer (SBC) that employs a lock-stepqualified components.
architecture keeping software development at aPricing for the A602 is $12,994. Delivery is six to
minimum.eight weeks ARO.
With this redundant lock-step system thatFor additional information, visit or contact Stephen
increases system reliability, the SEU-resistantCunha, MEN Micro Inc., 24 N. Main Street, Ambler,
A602 runs the same set of operations in parallelPa. 19002; Phone: 215-542-9575; Fax:
to ensure that the programming only views the215-542-9577; E-mail:
hardware components once, making the newFor an electronic copy, please visit
board ideal for mission-critical applications includingFor high res photo, please visit
those in the avionics and railway markets.For additional news releases from MEN Micro Inc.,
The single-slot, COTS-based A602 developedplease visit
according to DO-254 offers incomparable reliabilitySubscribe to MEN Micro’s RSS feed. Follow us
and economical implementation with high reliabilityon Twitter: MENMikro # # #
up to Design Assurance Level (DAL) AUPCOMING TRADESHOWS: InnoTrans 2010; Hall
(catastrophic) in avionics and up to Safety15.1, Booth # 213; September 21-24, 2010; Berlin,
Integrity Level (SIL) 4 in trains, the mostGermany
stringent level in each class.READER SERVICE INQUIRIES: Please forward all
To ensure the highest safety standards, the 900reader service inquiries to Stephen Cunha, MEN
MHz PowerPC 750, the 512 MB main memory andMicro Inc., 24 N. Main Street, Ambler, Pa. 19002;
the internal structure of the FPGA areE-mail:
triple-redundant. Critical functions, like votersAbout MEN Micro Inc. Since 1982, MEN Micro has
implemented as IP cores in the FPGA, monitor atfocused on innovation, reliability and flexibility to
least two of the three redundant components todevelop standard and custom board-level solutions
provide the same result to guarantee systemused throughout industrial embedded applications
reliability. In the event one of the three redundantand harsh environments.
components fails, the system remains completelyThe company provides a robust offering of highly
operational providing the required availability forreliable embedded computing and I/O solutions
highly critical systems.that employ the highest technology and
Other redundant components in the SBC includeinnovations. In addition, MEN Micro offers
local PSUs, Flash memory and clock oscillators. Inexceptional custom development and
an effort to increase safety and availability,environmental qualification services in accordance
additional diagnosis mechanisms (BITE, e.g.with industry standards. The company’s
extensive self tests) help detect latent errorsstandard product range contains more than 100
before they lead to a system error. The design isdifferent computer boards and systems with
oriented towards strictly deterministic operationcorresponding BIOS, BSP and driver software
for the same purpose - to avoid interrupts andbased on different PowerPC and Pentium
DMA.platforms.
Standard I/O contained in the FPGA is accessibleThe company has nearly 200 employees and is a
via the rear. This includes a sextuple UART, anmember of several industry associations,
I²C bus and an RS232 interface that can also beconsortiums and alliances.