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CPCI (Compact PCI)

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Introduction:

CompactPCI (CPCI) is a computer architecture that defines a standard for high-performance and ruggedized industrial computing systems. CPCI is an improvement over the original Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus and is designed to operate in harsh environments, making it a popular choice in applications such as telecommunications, military, aerospace, and industrial automation.

In this article, we will discuss the basics of the CPCI architecture, its components, and the benefits it offers for industrial computing.

History and Development:

The development of CPCI started in the early 1990s when the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG) began working on a standard for a compact version of PCI. The main goal was to create a ruggedized and modular computer architecture that could withstand harsh environmental conditions such as shock, vibration, and temperature extremes.

The first CPCI specification, released in 1997, defined a 3U form factor with a maximum board size of 160mm x 100mm, making it smaller than traditional PCI cards. This form factor was designed to fit into a CompactPCI chassis, which could house multiple CPCI boards and provide power and cooling to the system.

In 2001, PICMG released the CPCI 2.0 specification, which increased the maximum board size to 233mm x 160mm and allowed for 6U boards as well. The new specification also introduced features such as hot-swapping, redundant power supplies, and system management.

Today, CPCI is widely used in many industries and has evolved to include newer technologies such as AdvancedTCA (ATCA) and MicroTCA.

Architecture:

CPCI is based on the PCI bus architecture, which is a local bus standard used to connect peripheral devices to a computer's motherboard. The PCI bus supports high-speed data transfer and can handle multiple devices on a single bus.

The CPCI architecture extends the PCI bus by adding a backplane, which provides a central connection point for all the CPCI boards in a system. The backplane contains a set of connectors that allow the boards to communicate with each other and with the system's power supply, cooling, and management components.

The CPCI backplane also includes a system management bus (SMB), which provides a standard interface for system management functions such as power control, temperature monitoring, and board identification.

Components:

A CPCI system typically consists of several components, including:

  1. CPCI Boards - These are the main components of a CPCI system, and they contain the processing power, memory, and I/O interfaces required to perform the system's functions. CPCI boards come in various sizes, ranging from 3U to 6U, and can be customized to fit specific application requirements.
  2. CPCI Chassis - This is a metal enclosure that houses the CPCI boards and provides power and cooling to the system. The chassis typically has a set of connectors that interface with the CPCI backplane and support various I/O interfaces such as Ethernet, USB, and serial ports.
  3. Power Supply - CPCI systems require a stable and reliable power supply to operate. The power supply is typically located within the CPCI chassis and provides power to the system's boards, backplane, and other components. Redundant power supplies are often used to increase system reliability.
  4. Cooling System - CPCI systems generate a lot of heat, so an efficient cooling system is essential to prevent overheating and ensure system reliability. The cooling system can consist of fans, heat sinks, and other cooling devices that are integrated into the CPCI chassis.
  5. System Management Components - These components provide the necessary functionality to manage the CPCI system's power, cooling, and monitoring functions. The system management components typically include a microcontroller, firmware, and software that enable administrators to monitor and control the system's health and performance remotely.

Benefits:

CPCI offers several benefits for industrial computing applications, including:

  1. Ruggedness - CPCI is designed to operate in harsh environments, making it an ideal choice for applications that require high reliability and durability. CPCI systems can withstand extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration, making them suitable for military, aerospace, and industrial automation applications.
  2. Scalability - CPCI systems can be easily scaled up or down to meet the requirements of different applications. CPCI chassis can support multiple boards, and new boards can be added or removed as needed, making it easy to upgrade or modify a system.
  3. High Performance - CPCI systems are designed to support high-speed data transfer and can handle complex applications that require high processing power and large amounts of memory.
  4. Hot-Swapping - CPCI 2.0 introduced hot-swapping capabilities, which allow administrators to add or remove boards from a system without shutting down the system. This feature makes it easy to perform maintenance tasks and upgrade a system's components without interrupting its operation.
  5. System Management - CPCI includes a system management bus (SMB) that provides a standard interface for system management functions such as power control, temperature monitoring, and board identification. This feature makes it easy to monitor and manage a CPCI system remotely.

Conclusion:

CompactPCI (CPCI) is a ruggedized and modular computer architecture that is widely used in industrial computing applications. CPCI is based on the PCI bus architecture and includes a backplane that provides a central connection point for all the system's components. CPCI offers several benefits for industrial computing, including ruggedness, scalability, high performance, hot-swapping, and system management. CPCI continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies, making it a reliable and versatile choice for industrial computing applications.