Patented fabric mapping modules for optimizing backplane designs introduced by Dawn VME

FREMONT, Calif., 29 Oct. 2014. Dawn VME Products in Fremont, Calif., is introducing patented fabric mapping modules (FMMs) connectorless backplane micro-overlays to simplify and automate the optimization of backplane topologies in compliance with OpenVPX profiles.

Dawn's patent for Backplane Slot Interconnection, Method and Apparatus was issued in September as U.S. Patent No. 8,841,560. Inventor is Dawn Senior Designer Brian Roberts.

Dawn's fabric mapping modules for embedded computing use ball grid array (BGA) substrate technology as a micro-overlay, similar in function to VME backplane overlays except FMMs can be used on VPX backplanes and are tuned for high-speed signal transmission.

Fabric mapping modules interface a printed circuit board-based differential pair matrix with compatible Dawn backplanes, so inter-slot communications can be customized to meet system requirements.

The flexibility offered by the wide range of OpenVPX profiles enables designers to optimize the communication topology between slots within a system's backplane. Slots can be designed to accept the best I/O modules for a specific application.

Fabric mapping modules also can facilitate rear backplane I/O connections and low profile connector interface systems when normal switch modules do not fit the system application envelope. fabric mapping modules also provide a natural migratory development environment for moving from the lab to the field with high speed OpenVPX backplanes.

Dawn Fabric Mapping Module backplane micro-overlays offer a cost-and time-efficient method for customizing an OpenVPX backplane, company officials say. They support the interoperability of OpenVPX, while providing the flexibility to create designs based on off-the-shelf backplanes.

For more information contact Dawn VME online at www.dawnvme.com.