With a combination of FPGA and SA-Adapters, MEN Mikro Elektronik have introduced a new I/O concept on 3U CompactPCI.

The interfaces of the F215 can be configured as desired, allowing users a number of application possibilities for this card. The F215 interface board is flexible and inexpensive for Serial I/O and is available from Dominion Electronics .

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

SA-Adapters are small universal boards that provide the line drivers for I/O functions. SA-Adapters allow to add additional I/O interfaces to the F215 interface board, 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 interface board, and are connected using a 9-pin D-Sub connector each. If users want to use more adapters, up to a maximum of six, they need more front-panel space. These adapters are connected to the carrier through ribbon cable.

The F215 interface board comes in a standard configuration with five pre-defined functions on an 8 HP front panel: two CAN interfaces, two UARTs and one 8-channel binary I/O interface.

All of the F215 interface board's I/O functions are realised by means of an FPGA, making it a flexible, inexpensive solution for Serial I/O.

The F215 interface board is suitable as a customised I/O combination, a specialised 8-port CAN card or an intelligent I/O board including a Nios soft core, on 4, 8 or 12 HP width.

The FPGA interface board is loaded automatically after power-up from a 4 MB serial Flash. It is also possible to access this 4 MB serial Flash from the CompactPCI bus to update its contents.

The F215 interface board is designed for use in rugged environments. Its components are specified for an operating temperature of -40 to +85°C. In addition, they are soldered-on to meet the demands with regard to shock and vibration.