Rittal’s new MicroTCA development systems in 2, 3 and 5U include backplanes for direct incorporation of Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) modules at half and full height and single and double width. The systems comply with AMC.0 for mezzanine cards and MicroTCA.0 draft 0.86. To achieve a cost reduction from AdvancedTCA (ATCA), the Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) modules are plugged directly into a backplane without the need for a carrier card. This also enables smaller system builds while retaining the full flexibility through the use of the AMC modules.
The development systems begin with a basic 19” rack mounting subrack, 2U high and 200 mm deep, complete with a high-speed backplane for single width AMCs. The 3U system offers the same configuration but with the addition of cooling for up to 60 watts per slot, plus a desktop version with the provision of feet to enable air to enter freely underneath the module frame.
Also available is a 5U shelf which is configured identically to the 3U with fan cooling, but with a 4U frame to accept double width AMC modules. This can also be converted to a desktop unit if required, by adding feet at the bottom to facilitate airflow.
Rittal and its specialist high-speed backplane subsidiary, Kaparel, are actively involved in the new MicroTCA standard that is currently under development to provide a compact solution for cost critical applications to supplement ATCA and which is expected to be finalised in mid 2006.
the UK market.