Acromag's new PMC-VLX modules feature a logic-optimized Xilinx^® Virtex^™-5 FPGA that is reconfigurable for high-performance I/O processing and custom logic routines. To rapidly move data in and out of the FPGA, Acromag adds large banks of DDR2 DRAM and dual-port SRAM for high-speed DMA transfer to the PCI bus. A wide-bandwidth PCI-X interface ensures fast data throughput. An assortment of plug-in I/O extension modules offer flexibility to interface various analog and digital I/O signal types. By wrapping the FPGA with just the features needed for fast and easy implementation, the PMC-VLX puts ultra-high performance FPGA-controlled computing within reach of many applications. The boards start at $4750 with a choice of several FPGA processors available.

The PMC base card is ready for use in conduction-cooled systems and provides 64 LVDS I/O channels accessible via P4 rear connectors. Inserting optional front-connecting AXM I/O extension modules augments I/O processing capabilities with interfaces for 14-bit 105MHz A/D conversion , CMOS digital I/O, RS-485 differential signals, or extra LVDS I/O lines. Typical uses include hardware simulation, in-circuit diagnostics. military servers, communication processing, and signal intelligence.

Powerful and versatile, these PMC modules offer a choice of three Virtex-5 FPGAs to match the logic and signal processing requirements needed to execute custom logic routines and user-defined algorithms. Cards can be ordered with a model VLX85T, VLX110T, or VLX155T FPGA featuring up to 155,000 logic cells and 128 DSP48E slices. Extended temperature versions operate across a -40 to 85°C range.

Acromag supports the Virtex-5 with plenty of memory and a high-speed interface for efficient data handling. Two banks of 32Mb x 16-bit DDR2 SDRAM are ready to receive data from the I/O ports for FPGA processing. Processed data moves to two banks of 256Kb x 32-bit dual-ported SRAM for high-speed DMA transfer to the PCI bus. A high-bandwidth PCI-X interface delivers rapid data throughput. The PCI-X interface supports 133MHz, 100MHz, and 66MHz PCI bus modes.

Application-specific programs are downloaded directly into the FPGA or to flash memory from the PCI bus. Acromag's Engineering Design Kit provides utilities to help users develop custom programs, load VHDL into the FPGA and to establish DMA transfers between the FPGA and the CPU. The kit includes a compiled FPGA file and example VHDL code provided as selectable blocks with examples for the local bus interface, read/writes, and change-of-state interrupts to the PCI bus. A JTAG interface allows users to perform on-board VHDL simulation. Further analysis is supported with a ChipScope™ Pro interface.

For easy integration of the boards with embedded Windows^® applications, Acromag developed a DLL driver software package for compatibility with Microsoft^® Visual C++™, and Visual Basic. Sample files with "C" source demonstration programs provide easy-to-use tools to test operation of the module.

For connectivity with real time application programs, Acromag offers C libraries for VxWorks^®, QNX^®, and other operating systems. The libraries provide generic routines (source code included) to handle reads, writes, interrupts, and other functions. Demonstration programs enable the developer to quickly exercise the I/O modules before attaching the routines to the application program. This diagnostic tool can save hours of troubleshooting and debugging. Free Linux example programs are also available.

Acromag has designed and manufactured measurement and control products for more than 50 years. They are an international corporation with a world headquarters near Detroit, Michigan and a global network of sales representatives and distributors. Acromag offers a complete line of embedded I/O products including bus boards, mezzanine modules, wiring accessories, and software. Industries served include military, aerospace, manufacturing, transportation, utilities, and scientific research laboratories.

For more information about Acromag products, call Inside Sales or Marketing Communications at (248) 295-0310, (877) 295-7092, FAX (248) 624-9234, or write Acromag, Inc. at P.O. Box 437, Wixom, MI 48393-7037 USA. Information is also available on the Internet at www.acromag.com.