March 25, 2014 - Acromag announces ACEX-4600 COM Express Type 6 carrier cards for use in small form factor computing systems that require wide temperature operation and shock/vibration immunity. Three models are available to host a basic size COM Express module and optionally one or two PMC/XMC modules for FPGA or I/O processing tasks. All models include two mini-PCIe slots. The carrier’s mezzanine module slots are located on the opposite side of the CPU module to maintain a small footprint. For easier development and testing, Acromag offers an engineering design kit with a break-out board that routes all the I/O signals from the carrier’s high-density connector to standard peripheral connectors.
Production front panels with MIL-DTL-38999 cylindrical connectors and a conduction cooling kit prepare the carrier card for field deployment. The base carrier card starts at $795. The ACEX-4605 model interfaces a basic Type 6 COM Express module and two mini-PCIe slots in a compact 125 x 165mm footprint. The ACEX-4610 is the same size but adds a PMC/XMC slot. Adding a second PMC/XMC slot, the ACEX-4620 is slightly larger with 200 x 165mm Mini-ITX dimensions.
Designed for use in defense, aerospace, and heavy industrial applications, Acromag’s ACEX-4600 carrier cards employ a variety of rugged features to ensure dependable operation in harsh environments. Thicker circuit boards resist flex while industrial-grade components enable operation from -40 to 85°C. Adding conduction cooling rails to mate with heat spreader plates on Acromag’s XCOM-6400 CPU module helps wick away heat generated by the Core i7 processor and any FPGA expansion modules. Front panels with military connectors and a power filter conveniently plug into the carrier card facilitating enclosure design.
Despite their small size, ACEX-4600 carrier cards offer support for a wide variety of I/O signals and peripheral interfaces accessible through a high-density SEARAY connector (400 lines). Two gigabit LAN ports, a PCIe port, four USB ports, and two RS232/485 ports provide flexible network and serial communication options. The carriers also support up to three DVI-I video ports and an audio in/out interface. Three SATA ports and a CFast port enable access to high volume data storage. Other CPU-supported functions include eight GPIO, a temperature sensor, two fan control lines, on-board system battery, and a power monitoring LED.
A fused, on-board DC/DC converter accepts 10-32V DC input power. A reset button is also included. 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.
