Shelf Manager Bolsters AdvancedTCA And cPCI

The Intelligent Platform Management (IPM) Sentry shelf management modules, in the form of 3U x 160mm carrier cards, are said to ensure five-nines reliability in both AdvancedTCA and CompactPCI systems. In addition to basic monitoring of voltages, fans, and temperature, the shelf manager will adjust fan speeds by reading the tachometer input for up to eight fans and using a PWM output to control speed. The unit maintains a system-event log and a sensor data record, both accessible via the IPM controller. Information is collected on field-replaceable units, such as hot swap peripheral boards, and is sent out via RS-232 or 10/100 Ethernet. The module can be installed directly into the backplane, plugged into an interface board and cabled to the backplane, or hard mounted in the chassis and cabled to the backplane. Pricing starts at under $1,500 with a two to four week lead time. ELMA ELECTRONIC INC., Fremont, CA. (510) 656-3400.