Posted to News on 10th Nov 2012, 17:01
CompactPCI PlusIO SBC for SIL 4 safety control applications
MEN Mikro Elektronik is launching the F75P CompactPCI PlusIO SBC (single-board computer) that is specially designed for rail applications and brings SIL 4 functional safety to the board level using redundant Intel Atom processors. While two redundant CPUs with independent RAM and Flash memory increase system safety, a third processor controls the I/O interfaces.
The F75P SBC unites the benefits of a 1oo2 (one out of two) multiprocessing system and the ruggedness and flexibility of the CompactPCI PlusIO standard on one single card.
Two of the three 1.6GHz Intel Atom E680T processors with 512MB DDR2 RAM are set up to operate in a redundant configuration to provide the safe control. The third Intel Atom with 1GB DDR2 controls the I/O. It passes on the commands to the interfaces that were sent by the two control CPUs across an FPGA-based communication interface.
In addition, two supervisor units monitor the environmental conditions specified for the two control CPUs and put the system into a safe state if, for example, the maximum operating temperature is exceeded. The output of a faulty processor is not passed through (fail-silent), or the complete system is shut down in case of an error and a train, for example, is stopped (fail-safe).
To increase the availability of a system, two F75P SBCs can be connected to form a cluster. If one card fails, the second can take over from hot or cold standby so that operation can continue. An event logger enables tracing and simply reading of hardware and application events.
Every F75P-based system can be certified up to SIL 4 - TUV SUD is currently preparing the certification. Each F75P SBC comes with a complete certification package including the 'safety case' document for the F75P, which makes the certification process of the final system much easier.
The standard front I/O of the F75P comprises one VGA interface, two Fast Ethernet and two USB ports, while its rear gives access to one PCI Express port, four USB, one SATA and two Fast Ethernet ports.
Characteristics typical of MEN such as the extended temperature range of -40 to +85 °C, EN 50155 conformity, conformal coating and assembly of M12 connectors make the F75P a safe and, at the same time, robust device - especially in rail applications where space is at a premium.
Prices start from EUR2695 for single units.
Follow the link for more information about the F75P CompactPCI PlusIO SBC.
