Dual-Processor AMC Reference Design Exploits PowerPC 460GT

The Arches dual-processor reference design kit employs a Power Architecture 460GT processor and promises to accelerate development time for AdvancedTCA and MicroTCA systems The kit provides a comprehensive set of resources including a custom AMC form factor, software development tools, open-source middleware for inter-process communications, RapidIO network management, diagnostic tools, system-level benchmarks, and a complete hardware/software design package. It first allows users to evaluate the PowerPC 460GT processor in an ATCA environment and then to use the turnkey hardware/software design as a start point for development. The card design includes dual PowerPC 460GT processors operating at a clock frequency of 1 GHz. Other features include 1 GB of DDR2 SDRAM, 128 MB of NOR flash, 1 GB of Micro-SD flash, two serial ports on the front panel, two 10/100/1G Ethernet ports on the front panel, four 10/100/1G Ethernet ports, x1/x4 Serial RapidIO port, x1/x4 Serial RapidIO/PCI-Express port, a shared JTAG connector, and two trace connectors. Additionally, software tool CDs from suppliers such as Denx and Corelis come with the kit. Single-kit price is $2,995. APPLIED MICRO CIRCUITS CORP., San Jose, CA. (800) 935-2622.