With an innovative combination of FPGA and SA-Adapters™, MEN Mikro Elektronik introduces a completely new I/O concept on 3U CompactPCI®. The interfaces of the F215 can be configured as desired – allowing the user nearly unlimited application possibilities for this card.

Flexible and inexpensive for serial I/O

The F215 is a versatile interface board based on 3U CompactPCI. The physical layer can be realized individually for each channel by means of SA-Adapters.

SA-Adapters are small universal boards that provide the line drivers for I/O functions. This concept allows to add additional I/O interfaces to the F215, which enhances flexibility when combining all kinds of interfaces and with regard to different isolation requirements.

Two SA-Adapters can be mounted directly on the F215, and are connected using a nine-pin D-Sub connector each. If you want to use further adapters, up to a maximum of six, you need more front-panel space. These adapters are connected to the carrier via ribbon cable. The F215 comes in a standard configuration with five pre-defined functions on an 8 HP front panel: two CAN interfaces, two UARTs and one eight-channel binary I/O interface.

All of the board’s I/O functions are realized by means of an FPGA, making it a very flexible, inexpensive solution for serial I/O. The F215 can become “everything” from a customized I/O combination to a specialized eight-port CAN card or even an intelligent I/O board including a Nios® soft core, on four, eight or twelve HP width. The FPGA is loaded automatically after power-up from a 4MB serial flash. It is also possible to access this flash from the CompactPCI bus to update its contents.

The F215 was designed for use in rugged environments. All of its components are specified for an operating temperature of -40° to +85°C. In addition, they are soldered-on to meet the high demands regarding shock and vibration.