Acromag enhances XMC FPGA module security with write-protected memory
Two XMC modules with write-protected flash memory prevent unwanted changes to configuration files, says Acromag.
The XMC-7AWP and XMC-7KWP modules have a user-programmable Xilinx Artix-7 or Kintex-7 FPGA featuring write-protected flash memory to secure the configuration files. The two modules are suited to a broad range of applications such as hardware simulation, communications, signal intelligence, adaptive filtering, and image processing. High-speed interfaces are provided for PCIe, 10GbE, LVDS, serial and other I/O signals.
The XMC-7KWP modules have a choice of Kintex-7 FPGAs for 325k or 410k logic cells. Dual SFP+ ports offer support for 10Gbit Ethernet with fibre or copper transceivers. A 36-pin VHDCR connector provides JTAG, USB, global differential clock pairs, and LVDS signals to the FPGA. The rear I/O XMC port offers a four-lane high-speed serial interface and supports SelectIO channels for single-ended or differential I/O. A PMC-style port supports additional SelectIO channels.
The second module is the XMC-7AWP. These models feature a user-configurable Artix-7 FPGA with 200k logic cells. The rear I/O provides an eight-lane, high-speed serial interface on the P16 XMC port with support for 34 single-ended SelectIO or 17 LVDS channels. The P4 port adds another 60 SelectIO or 30 LVDS and global clock lines.
Both FPGA mezzanine modules are suitable for high speed processing of custom algorithms and provide the added security of write-protected configuration flash, explained Robert Greenfield, Acromag’s business development manager.
The COTS modules have been designed for defence and aerospace systems, and are suitable for algorithmic acceleration, protocol conversion, simulation, HIL test, motor control, image analysis, and sensor fusion applications, advises Acromag.
The versatile XMC mezzanine cards plug into host single board computers (SBCs) or non-intelligent carrier cards for use in PCIe servers, VPX or CompactPCI Serial chassis, and small form factor embedded computers. The air-cooled cards operate reliably across a wide ambient temperature range, says Acromag. Conduction-cooled systems can also be accommodated.
Acromag was founded in 1957. It designs and manufactures hi-tech electronics. Acromag offers embedded computing and I/O solutions including general purpose I/O boards, single board computers, FPGA modules, embedded computers, COM Express products, mezzanine modules, wiring accessories, and software. Industries served include military, aerospace, manufacturing, transportation, utilities, and scientific research laboratories.
The company headquarters are near Detroit, Michigan, USA and there is network of sales representatives and distributors around the world.
