Flexible FPGA Chip with Integrated AFDX Protocol Available from MEN Micro

BLUE BELL, Pa. January 2015 – MEN Micro Inc., a world-renowned provider of embedded computing and I/O solutions for mission-critical industrial, mobile and harsh environment applications, has released the CS1, anFPGA chip with an integrated AFDX protocol that provides a flexible alternative for communication in airplanes.

The customizable CS1 enables users to build AFDX-based communication systems independent of a form factor. The new FPGA can be installed directly on the boards of an AFDX end system. This eliminates the need of an additional module to integrate the AFDX protocols, which send information between avionics subsystems in airborne applications.

Specifically designed for the demands of safety-critical avionic applications, the new chip is a DO-254-compliant FPGA certifiable up to DAL-A, with DAL-D certification support package available in March 2015.

Developed according to ARINC 664P7-1, and in consideration of the specific Airbus and Boeing AFDX requirements, the CS1 can be used in applications of both airplane suppliers.

Thanks to its flash-based architecture with tripled, redundant logic, the FPGA chip easily meets safety-critical demands, such as being SEU-resistant (Single Event Upset) and offering real-time capability.

The CS1 is also offered in MEN Micro’s P522 PMC I/O mezzanine card–available as a COTS product—that can be used as an alternative to PMCs already on the market or for evaluation purposes.

Being an FPGA component, the CS1 is customizable to enable such functions as gateway solutions including AFDX-to-CAN, AFDX-to-standard Ethernet or AFDX-to-ARINC 429.

The host driver with an ARINC-653 compliant port API (Application Programming Interface) prevents the influence of critical and non-critical applications within one complete system.

The CS1 supports two full duplex AFDX networks based on standard IEEE 802.3 Ethernet and applies protocol stack implementation. With up to 255 receive VLs (Virtual Links) and 64 transmit VLs, the chip ensures safe and deterministic data transfer through determined bandwidths.

The integrated SNMP/ICMP protocols support the host CPU with the network management, enabling higher performance from the CPU.

The ability to meet multiple airplane supplier requirements and form factors, plus the flexibility to modify the chip for specific application requirements, make the CS1 as well as the appropriate PMC module P522, a safe choice for critical avionic applications.

Technical Specifications:

AFDX functionality integrated in a flash-based FPGA

SEU resistant

DO-254-compliant and DAL-A certified, with DAL-D in March 2015

Standalone chip or offered on P522 PMC module

For additional information on the P522 with a CS1 FPGA chip, visit http://www.men.de/products/15P522-.html or contact Stephen Cunha, Phone: 215-542-9575; E-mail: cStephen.Cunha@menmicro.com.

For high res download and full text:
http://www.simongroup.com/PressRoom/press-release.php?Job=MEN-A-6168

Read our news: http://feeds.feedburner.com/MenMicro

Become a fan: http://www.facebook.com/MENMicro

Watch the latest videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/MENGermany

Learn our markets: http://www.slideshare.net/MENmicro

UPCOMING TRADESHOWS: Embedded Tech Trends; Jan 19-20, 2015; Phoenix, AZ

READER SERVICE INQUIRIES: Please forward all reader service inquiries to Stephen Cunha, MEN Micro Inc., 860 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike; Blue Bell, PA 19422; E-mail: Stephen.Cunha@menmicro.com.

About MEN Micro Inc.

Since its founding, MEN Micro has focused on innovation, reliability and flexibility to develop standard and custom computing solutions that employ the highest technology levels. The company’s computing solutions are used in harsh mission- and safety-critical environments found in the transportation (rail, road, air, sea) and industrial (automation, power & energy, medical, mining) markets.

With more than 250 employees worldwide, MEN Micro provides a robust offering of highly reliable embedded COTS boards, rugged COMs, scalable box PCs, safe computers and supporting devices widely used in extreme environmental conditions.

In addition to its full customization support, the company’s core competencies include x86 and RISC processor architectures, development rules for safe applications, analog I/O design, FPGA technology and Windows, Linux and real-time operating systems as well as RAMS and obsolescence management.

The company is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 (environment), EN 9100 (aerospace) and IRIS (railway) quality management systems, provides systems according to ISO 7637-2 (road traffic) requirements and is a member of several industry associations, including VITA and PICMG.