Product category: Embedded Computing and Control
News Release from: Kontron UK
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 30 November 2004
New standard simplifies embedded I/O
A year after its development, Kontron Embedded Modules is to publish its Jflex I/O module concept as an open standard for unrestricted public use
Jflex is designed for use with 3.5in CPU boards, and uses surface-mount connectors while avoiding the use of costly internal cables. Extensive use of low-cost cableless systems technology, PCI and LPC buses instead of PCI-ISA and full SMT production as opposed to a combination of SMT and press-fitting are the main advantages of Jflex.
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 30 November 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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These features convinced the 19 companies participating in the validation stage with their own I/O module developments of Jflex's superiority over such standards as PC/104.
Version 3.0 of the standard will be published on the Kontron website.
Taking part from Germany were Aaronn, ACD Elektronik, Asentics, Bosch Rexroth, FZI Forschungszentrum, IES, Michels and Kleberhoff Computer, Miltenyi Biotec and Servo Halbeck.
Other European contributions came from Elcard (Finland), MITE (Czech Republic), Fela (Switzerland) and Aerotech Telub (Sweden).
With involvement by Imperx, IGT, Navsys and Playback Tech from USA as well as Mazen and Tri-M from Canada, the American continent also played a significant role in refining the specifications.
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European patent number 01 127 562.5 defines a cable-free expansion modules for PC-based systems, which can communicate with a host CPU board via the 32bit, 33MHz, PCIbus as well as an LPCbus.
The PCIbus allows to connect up to three PCIbus masters on Jflex modules.
The LPCbus enables low cost and real fast IO developments on a Jflex.
Thus, compared with PC/104, it is now possible for the first time to have systems that are based purely on the PCIbus.
Jflex boards are almost footprint compatible with the 3.5in form factor, and as they are plugged-in and screwed down to a motherboard, they also provide excellent resistance to shock and vibration.
The form factor can be scaled as required by the application, board sizes should lie within the minimum and maximum limits, which are 80 x 33 and 147 x 83mm (width x depth).
The variable size of Jflex expansion boards frees engineers from conforming to the stringent definition of a 'form factor', and the size of an I/O expansion module, can now for the first time be determined by the application.
I/O board manufacturers will without doubt greet this new flexibility with great enthusiasm.
As expected, the pinout positions of the two 144-pin gas-proof SMT connectors, as well as the positions of mounting screw holes, are clearly specified and cannot be altered.
As PC/104 modules rarely include onboard connectors, they generally require elaborate cabling.
The inclusion of press fit connectors means it also is impossible to produce these modules exclusively using pick and place machines.
As both manufacturing stages require expensive and error-prone manual interaction, PC/104 is regarded by most only as a second choice and its use leads to increased system costs.
The ISAbus also is always implemented in PC/104 systems.
However, ISA is no longer sought after in new applications and the PCIbus or an LPCbus can therefore replace it.
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