Conventional MicroTCA systems are only conditionally suitable - or not at all - when used under extreme load conditions. ELMA has developed its new blu!smart basis system specifically for such ruggedized applications - and for intensive testing of AMC modules under such tough conditions. It is mounted on a flat surface using four flange holes and, for instance, can therefore be mounted on walls and panels in industrial environments. Exhaustive testing has confirmed that the AMCs in the system remain firmly fixed - even when subject to significant shock and vibration.
The new basis system is functionally compatible with the MicroTCA specifications. However, for ruggedized applications, card guides developed by ELMA are installed in the chassis. Vibrational and shock tests were performed as follows:Random vibration according to AC2 - VITA 47. Frequency range 5 - 2000 Hz in three axes, rms value of the acceleration 8 g, duration per axis 60 minutes.Shock according to AC1 - IEC 61587-1.
Semi-sinusoidal waveform for six axes, acceleration 25 g, application time 18 ms, three shock loads for each axis. All of the AMC modules and the MCH were still firmly fixed in their slots unchanged at the end of the test. The interruption-free electrical contact to the backplane via the gold pads was guaranteed and the undisturbed module operation secured. This means that the MicroTCA blu!smart basis system is optimally suited for use under extreme conditions. In addition to the rugged blu!smart chassis, the blu!box, blu!cube and blu!eco basis systems are available for MicroTCA applications running under normal conditions. The latter makes it possible to implement particularly cost-effective applications, as ELMA has integrated parts of the MicroTCA management on an active backplane. This in turn enables more cost-effective power supply units to be used - but while still retaining full MicroTCA compatibility.
The new basis system is functionally compatible with the MicroTCA specifications. However, for ruggedized applications, card guides developed by ELMA are installed in the chassis. Vibrational and shock tests were performed as follows:Random vibration according to AC2 - VITA 47. Frequency range 5 - 2000 Hz in three axes, rms value of the acceleration 8 g, duration per axis 60 minutes.Shock according to AC1 - IEC 61587-1.
Semi-sinusoidal waveform for six axes, acceleration 25 g, application time 18 ms, three shock loads for each axis. All of the AMC modules and the MCH were still firmly fixed in their slots unchanged at the end of the test. The interruption-free electrical contact to the backplane via the gold pads was guaranteed and the undisturbed module operation secured. This means that the MicroTCA blu!smart basis system is optimally suited for use under extreme conditions. In addition to the rugged blu!smart chassis, the blu!box, blu!cube and blu!eco basis systems are available for MicroTCA applications running under normal conditions. The latter makes it possible to implement particularly cost-effective applications, as ELMA has integrated parts of the MicroTCA management on an active backplane. This in turn enables more cost-effective power supply units to be used - but while still retaining full MicroTCA compatibility.
