Abaco Systems / VMIC VMIPMC-5565-110 Ultrahigh Speed Fiber-Optic Reflective Memory with Interrupts Module

The Abaco Systems / VMIC VMIPMC-5565-110 is an Ultrahigh Speed Fiber-Optic Reflective Memory Module designed for high-speed, low-latency, and deterministic data sharing between multiple systems. This module operates as a node within a reflective memory network, enabling seamless real-time data exchange among up to 256 independent systems, irrespective of their bus structures or operating systems. The fundamental principle of operation involves writing data to the module’s onboard SDRAM, which is then automatically broadcast over a high-speed fiber-optic data path to all other nodes on the network. This process is software-transparent, requiring no direct processor intervention for network operations, thereby minimizing host CPU overhead.

### Technical Specifications

* **Product Name:** Abaco Systems / VMIC VMIPMC-5565-110 Ultrahigh Speed Fiber-Optic Reflective Memory with Interrupts Module
* **Manufacturer:** Abaco Systems / VMIC
* **Form Factor:** PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card)
* **Network Topology:** Optical ring-based shared memory network
* **Maximum Nodes:** Up to 256 nodes
* **Onboard Memory:** Configurable with 64 Mbyte or 128 Mbyte of onboard SDRAM. Some sources indicate up to 256 Mbyte of onboard SDRAM for the PCI-5565 variant.
* **Data Transfer Rate (Network):**
* 43 Mbyte/s for 4-byte packets
* Up to 170 Mbyte/s for 64-byte packets (on VME-5565)
* Up to 174 Mbyte/s for 64-byte packets (on PCI/PMC-5565 variants)
* **Packet Size:** Dynamic packet size, ranging from 4 to 64 bytes of data
* **Serial Data Rate:** 2.12 Gbaud serially

### Interfaces and Connectivity

* **Fiber-Optic Network:** High-speed, easy-to-use fiber-optic interface.
* **Fiber Type and Distance:**
* Multimode fiber: Up to 300 meters
* Single-mode fiber: Up to 10 kilometers
* **Ports:** RX/TX

### Bus and I/O Capabilities

* **Bus Interface:** PCI 64-bit 66 MHz transfers, supporting 3.3V or 5V, single width mezzanine interface. Some sources mention VMEbus DMA support for the VME variant.
* **DMA Capabilities:**
* Supports DMA operations, with the module acting as a PCI initiator for data block transfers.
* Two independent DMA channels available on PMC-5565. Note: The PCI-5565PIORC variant does not include a second DMA engine.
* DMA engine automatically splits large blocks into small bursts to prevent PCI bus monopolization.
* PCI interrupt can be generated upon completion of DMA process.
* Read and Write DMA can occur simultaneously.

### Performance Features

* **Low Latency:** Designed for low-latency communication.
* **Deterministic Data Sharing:** Ensures data is shared at a predictable and consistent rate.
* **Software Transparency:** Data transfers are software-transparent, eliminating I/O overhead and processor involvement in network operations.
* **FIFO Buffering:** Transmit and Receive FIFOs buffer data during peak rates to optimize processor and bus performance and maintain high data throughput.

### Error Management

* **Error Detection:** Implements error detection facilities through the Fibre Channel encoder/decoder and cyclic redundant encoding/checking.
* **Error Handling:** When an error is detected, the erroneous transfer is removed from the system, and an interrupt is generated if enabled.
* **Protection Against Lost Data:** Designed to prevent FIFO overflow by monitoring transmit FIFO status and suspending writes if necessary. Writes to reflective memory will be acknowledged with a STOP* if the transmit FIFO becomes almost full, preventing data loss.
* **Redundant Transfer Mode:** Available for enhanced error suppression.

### Interrupts

* **Interrupt Generation:** Any node on the network can generate an interrupt in any other node or all nodes with a single command.
* **General Purpose Network Interrupts:** Four general-purpose network interrupts are available on the VME variant, each with 32 bits of data.
* **PCI Interrupt:** Can be programmed to issue a PCI interrupt upon completion of DMA process.

### Compatibility and Software Support

* **Operating System Support:** Linux, VxWorks, Windows are listed for the VME-5565. Windows is listed for the PMC-5565.
* **Data Sharing Across Dissimilar Systems:** Enables computers, workstations, PLCs, and other embedded controllers with different architectures and dissimilar operating systems to share data in real-time.

### Physical and Environmental

* **Form Factor:** VME 6U Eurocard for the VME variant. PMC for the VMIPMC-5565.
* **Note:** The PMC-5565 model is noted as “Not recommended for new designs”.

Why Choose Aumictech for Abaco Systems / VMIC VMIPMC-5565-110?
At Aumictech, we specialize in supplying high-performance embedded computing and networking hardware. Whether you need robust real-time data sharing solutions, deterministic communication for critical applications, or high-bandwidth inter-system connectivity, our team ensures the Abaco Systems / VMIC VMIPMC-5565-110 delivers maximum performance for your application.