VPX Carrier Cards

OpenVPX Carrier Cards for XMC, PMC and AcroPack Modules

Metromatics supplies Acromag VPX Carrier Cards (also known as boards). Designed to integrate XMC, PMC and AcroPack mezzanine modules into 3U and 6U OpenVPX systems.

These OpenVPX carrier cards provide a straightforward and cost-effective method of adding I/O, and communications.  Ase well as FPGA processing, networking and data acquisition functionality to VPX-based embedded computing platforms. In addition, supporting high-speed PCI Express connectivity.  Therefore, the Acromag VPX carrier cards enable system designers to leverage a wide range of industry-standard XMC, PMC and AcroPack modules within Defence, Aerospace, Scientific Research and Industrial applications.

Whether you require a compact 3U carrier for a single XMC module or a 6U OpenVPX carrier capable of supporting multiple XMC and AcroPack modules, Acromag provides a range of solutions for demanding embedded computing environments.

Available VPX Carrier Card Configurations

The Acromag VPX Carrier Card family includes:

3U VPX Carrier Cards

The VPX4500 provides a simple interface between a VPX system and a PMC or XMC module. Available in air-cooled, conduction-cooled and REDI configurations, it offers a practical solution for integrating mezzanine modules into rugged VPX platforms.

The VPX4812A and VPX4814A are 3U OpenVPX carrier cards supporting a single XMC module with PCIe connectivity. The VPX4812A can also operate as a VPX switch card, enabling communication with downstream cards within an OpenVPX system.

6U VPX Carrier Cards

The VPX4520 and VPX4521 support one XMC module and up to four AcroPack modules, allowing designers to combine processing, communications and I/O functions on a single carrier card. Both utilise a PCIe Gen 3 x16 interface, with the VPX4520 connecting via the Expansion Plane and the VPX4521 connecting via the Data Plane.

The VPX4821A supports dual PMC or XMC modules and provides a direct PCIe connection through the OpenVPX backplane for low-latency access to mezzanine resources.

The VPX4840 and VPX4850 Series support two XMC modules and provide PCIe Gen 3 x16 connectivity. These carrier cards are available in air-cooled and conduction-cooled versions and are designed for high-bandwidth embedded computing applications.

Typical Applications

Defence and Aerospace Systems

VPX carrier cards are commonly deployed in rugged embedded computing platforms where modularity, upgradeability and long-term support are important design requirements.

Data Acquisition and Signal Processing

By hosting XMC, PMC and AcroPack modules, VPX carrier cards allow system designers to integrate analogue, digital, serial and communications I/O into a single OpenVPX architecture.

Test and Measurement

OpenVPX carrier cards provide a flexible platform for integrating specialised I/O and processing modules used in laboratory, simulation and test environments.

Communications and Networking

Many XMC modules provide Ethernet, networking, FPGA and communications functionality which can be integrated into a VPX system using carrier cards from the Acromag portfolio.

Why Choose Acromag VPX Carrier Cards?

  • 3U and 6U OpenVPX form factors
  • Support for XMC, PMC and AcroPack modules
  • PCIe Gen 2 and Gen 3 connectivity
  • Air-cooled, conduction-cooled and REDI models available
  • OpenVPX compliant architectures
  • Flexible I/O expansion capability
  • High-bandwidth communication between host processors and mezzanine modules
  • Suitable for Defence, Aerospace, Industrial and Scientific applications

Why Buy Through Metromatics?

Metromatics provides local sales, technical support and engineering assistance for Acromag OpenVPX solutions throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Our team can assist with:

  • VPX system architecture selection
  • Carrier card and mezzanine module selection
  • AcroPack I/O integration
  • FPGA and communications module integration
  • Technical support and product configuration assistance

With more than 35 years of experience supporting Defence, Aerospace and industrial technology programs, Metromatics can help identify the most suitable VPX carrier card solution for your application. Call us now!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VPX Carrier Card?

A VPX carrier card is a board that hosts XMC, PMC or AcroPack mezzanine modules and interfaces them to an OpenVPX system through the VPX backplane.

What is the difference between XMC, PMC and AcroPack modules?

XMC, PMC and AcroPack are mezzanine module standards used to add I/O, communications, FPGA processing and other functions to embedded computing systems. Acromag carrier cards allow these modules to be integrated into VPX architectures.

Which VPX Carrier Card is right for my application?

The answer depends on the number of mezzanine modules required, cooling requirements, available VPX slots and I/O requirements. Metromatics can assist with product selection and system design.

Are conduction-cooled versions available?

Yes. Several Acromag VPX carrier card models are available in air-cooled, conduction-cooled and REDI ruggedised configurations.

Can VPX Carrier Cards be used in Defence applications?

Yes. Acromag VPX carrier cards are designed for rugged embedded computing environments and are commonly used in Defence, Aerospace and other high-performance applications.