Emerson Network Power's new Embedded Computing business, formerly Artesyn Communication Products, is readying a “mid-sized” version of an “advanced mezzanine card” (AMC or AdvancedMC) based on an in-process PICMG specification. The new mid-size KosaiPM AMC, based on a 1.8MHz Pentium M, will run Carrier Grade Linux.

(Click for larger view of full-sized KosaiPM AMCs)

New “Mid-size” AMC specification

Emerson's forthcoming KosaiPM is based on a new “mid-size” AMC form-factor that will likely be approved by PICMG in November, according to Emerson. According to a PICMG document published last month, three mid-size AMCs will fit in the volume of two full-size AMCs.

Emerson says that when plugged into an ATCA carrier, mid-size AMCs allow more room for front panel LEDs and I/O on the carrier, helping service technicians diagnose and repair blades in the field.

Additional touted advantages include enhanced connector reliability, and simpler integration with MicroTCA systems.

The KosaiPM

Emerson (then Artesyn) announced its KosaiPM AMC, along with MontaVista and Wind River Linux support, about a year ago. The KosaiPM was among the first products based on PICMG's AdvancedMC specification, which aims to leverage AdvancedTCA technologies in smaller form-factor mezzanine cards. AMCs can be used to expand MicroTCA-based systems, as well as ATCA carrier blades.

The new mid-size version of the KosaiPM will be available in full- and half-height versions, and will run Carrier Grade Linux, Emerson says. It will be “optimized for optical and wireless infrastructure systems, voice gateways, and SS7/SIGTRAN signaling systems,” and consume a third less power than unspecified “competitive products,” according to the company.

The mid-sized KosaiPM will be based on an Intel Pentium M clocked at 1.8GHz, with 2MB of L2 cache. It will support up to 2GB of DDR SDRAM with ECC, and have 1GB of flash, enabling it to boot and run large applications, Emerson says.

Front-panel I/O will include an RS-232 console interface. AMC interface I/O will comprise dual gigabit Ethernet channels, along with a single 8-lane or dual 4-lane (1 x 8 or 2 x 4) PCI Express interfaces.

Additional interfaces will include:

• USB 2.0, at an unspecified location
• I2C-based IPMI (intelligent platform management interface)
• On-board storage interface
  • Can access local SATA drives
  • Can also access SATA drives in other AMC bays or attached to MicroTCA systems

Thanh Nguyen, manager of product management, stated, “AdvancedMC's versatility makes it ideal for both ATCA mezzanine expansion and as a standalone blade for MicroTCA systems. The new mid-size form factor enhances AdvancedMC reliability, flexibility, and usability, which should accelerate widespread acceptance of ATCA, AdvancedMC, and MicroTCA technologies.”

Last April, Emerson merged with Artesyn Communications, the third-largest U.S. maker of carrier network equipment. Following the merger, Emerson formed a new “Embedded Computing” division under its “Network Power” brand.

Availability

The mid-size KosaiPM will be available in Q4, Emerson said, in standard or RoHS (lead-free) versions. Pricing was not disclosed.

 
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