MOTOROLA CPCI-6020TM: CompactPCI Single Board Computer
The MOTOROLA CPCI-6020TM is a 6U CompactPCI form factor single board computer (SBC) built around a high-performance PowerPC microprocessor. Engineered as a transition solution from VME to CompactPCI, it provides a powerful, integrated computing platform with substantial memory, networking, and peripheral interfaces for demanding embedded applications in industrial control, telecommunications, and defense.
Bridging VME Reliability with CompactPCI Architecture
The MOTOROLA CPCI-6020TM was designed to leverage the mechanical robustness and high-performance heritage of VMEbus systems while adopting the more modern PCI-based electrical interface of CompactPCI. This board serves as a complete system-on-a-card, integrating a powerful central processor, memory, and critical I/O functions. It is engineered to meet the needs of developers migrating from VME to CompactPCI or those designing new systems requiring the proven reliability and real-time performance associated with Motorola's embedded computing platforms, all within the more cost-effective and widely supported CompactPCI ecosystem.
Board Architecture and Integrated Features
At the core of the CPCI-6020TM is a high-frequency PowerPC processor, typically from the MPC7xx or MPC8xx family, delivering strong integer performance and efficient power consumption. The board is designed as a system slot board, capable of acting as the system controller in a CompactPCI chassis. It integrates a significant amount of soldered SDRAM for program execution, along with flash memory for boot firmware and application storage. A key feature is its extensive onboard I/O, which reduces the need for additional peripheral cards, simplifying system design. The board includes dual Ethernet controllers for network connectivity, multiple serial ports, and a PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card) expansion site for application-specific customization.
High-Performance PowerPC Core: Features a RISC-based PowerPC CPU with integrated L1 cache, optimized for embedded real-time operating systems.
Dual Ethernet Interfaces: Includes two 10/100BASE-TX Ethernet controllers with independent MACs, supporting diverse network topologies and redundancy.
Comprehensive Onboard I/O: Equipped with multiple asynchronous serial ports (RS-232/422/485), USB, parallel port, and keyboard/mouse interfaces.
PMC Expansion Site: Provides a standard PCI Mezzanine Card (PMC) slot for adding specialized functions like additional serial ports, digital I/O, or custom interfaces.
Rugged 6U CompactPCI Form Factor: Built on the industrial-strength 6U card standard with Eurocard mechanics and positive retention for high-vibration environments.
Technical Specifications and System Configuration
The CPCI-6020TM is specified by its processor speed (e.g., 266 MHz, 400 MHz), the amount of onboard SDRAM (typically 128MB or 256MB), and flash memory capacity. It supports the 32-bit/33 MHz PCI bus of the CompactPCI backplane. The board features specific I/O counts: usually two Ethernet ports, four serial channels, and a USB 1.1 port. It requires standard CompactPCI system slot power and includes a real-time clock with battery backup. The board is designed to operate over the commercial or extended industrial temperature range, making it suitable for a variety of deployment environments.
Target Applications in Embedded Systems
The processing power and integrated I/O of the CPCI-6020TM make it ideal for a wide range of embedded computing roles. In industrial automation, it functions as a gateway controller, data concentrator, or machine vision host. Within telecommunications, it is used in media gateways, network access servers, and signaling controllers. Transportation systems utilize it for onboard vehicle computers and ticketing systems. Its deterministic performance also suits military applications like radar signal processors and mobile command posts. Essentially, it serves anywhere a reliable, self-contained computing engine is needed within a rack-mounted chassis.
Advantages for System Integration and Lifecycle
Choosing the CPCI-6020TM offers distinct integration advantages. Its high level of integration reduces the total card count in a chassis, saving space, power, and cost. The use of a PowerPC architecture and mature chipset ensures excellent support from real-time operating system (RTOS) vendors like VxWorks and QNX, shortening software development time. For organizations with existing software investments on Motorola VME boards, the CPCI-6020TM provides a familiar programming model and toolchain, easing migration. Its availability as a long-lifecycle product provides stability for projects requiring years of service and support.
Conclusion
The MOTOROLA CPCI-6020TM CompactPCI processor board stands as a robust and capable bridge between the venerable VME world and the PCI-based future of embedded computing. It successfully packages proven Motorola reliability, a powerful PowerPC processor, and a comprehensive set of I/O into a standardized 6U form factor. For system architects and engineers tasked with developing reliable, performance-oriented embedded systems for industrial, telecom, or transportation markets, the CPCI-6020TM offers a proven, integrated solution that balances computational power with design simplicity and long-term dependability.
