PICMG 3.0 Form Factor team selects Positronic VP Series power connector for AdvancedTCA™ platform
April 2002, Springfield, Missouri — In November of 2001, the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG®) announced the development of a new core specification entitled PICMG 3.0. The specification will provide off-the-shelf modular solutions for the telecommunications industry, and will be marketed as AdvancedTCA™ (Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture). AdvancedTCA™ offers systems based on switched fabric architectures. Currently, efforts are progressing on PICMG 3.1 for Ethernet Fabric, PICMG 3.2 for Infiniband, and PICMG 3.3 for StarFabric.
One of the many goals of AdvnacedTCA™ is to push the envelope regarding current technology while allowing for system upgrades as technology evolves. One area where this is evident is in power distribution. Negative (-) 48V DC will be delivered to each card via a dedicated power connector. DC to DC converters will then be used to supply voltages as dictated by components on the card. This will allow systems to be upgraded with cards which utilize the latest chip technology.
The Form Factor team within PICMG 3.0 outlined requirements for a dedicated power connector. The requirements included provisions to interface dual redundant power, hardware management, and high voltage test circuits. In addition, four level sequential mating was necessary to provide proper functionality of live insertion and extraction of cards. Blind mate capability and reliability were also important and everything needed to be contained in as small a package as possible.
Over a three month period, various connector manufacturers competed for inclusion in the specification. A vote was taken and the VP Series connector proposed by Positronic Industries was selected. "Positronic was determined to meet all of the team’s expectations. We take pride in providing solutions to customers who need flexibility to meet complex requirements. We are pleased that our solution was chosen with such strong consensus and proud to be a part of this effort," said Gino Nanninga, vice president of North American sales.
The VP series connector is a variation of other products within Positronic Industries’ wide range of power connector offerings.
