Configurable MPSoC Modules Empower Custom Designs
Providing a rugged, high-density platform for embedded computing applications, Acromag’s latest APZU series of mini PCIe-based AcroPack mezzanine modules leverages Xilinx's Zynq UltraScale+ multiprocessor system-on-chip (MPSoC). Three models offer a choice of digital I/O interfaces: 28 TTL, 20 TTL, and 3 RS-422/485 or 14 LVDS signals.
The mezzanine modules, mounted on a variety of AcroPack carrier cards for PCIe, VPX, and other platforms, allow developers to mix and match I/O combinations on one board for embedded applications running on Linux, Windows, or VxWorks operating systems.
Two dual-core Arm Cortex CPUs (A53 application processor and R5 real-time processor) deliver high-performance computation capability, with 154k logic cells for hardware acceleration and compute-intensive tasks. Additional features include large on-chip memory, external memory interfaces, and a variety of peripheral connectivity, with Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, and USB-UART interfaces supported.
Measuring 30 x 70 mm, the AcroPack modules use a standard mini PCIe edge connector along with a down-facing, 100-pin connector to internally route I/O signals through the carrier card to secure field connectors. This eliminates loose cables while increasing reliability.
An advantage of the Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC architecture is the tight integration of its programmable logic with the processing system. A high-throughput interface eliminates bottlenecks and enables designers to extend the processing system capabilities.
Developers can build custom designs by adding peripherals in the programmable logic and increase overall system performance by partitioning hardware and software functions with custom accelerators.
Acromag’s Engineering Design Kit provides an FPGA-generated firmware example design that provides host access to the hardware digital I/O on the APZU module, implemented using the AMD Vivado development environment.
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About the Author
Alix Paultre
Editor-at-Large, Microwaves & RF
Alix is Editor-at-Large for Microwaves & RF.
An Army veteran, Alix Paultre was a signals intelligence soldier on the East/West German border in the early ‘80s, and eventually wound up helping launch and run a publication on consumer electronics for the U.S. military stationed in Europe. Alix first began in this industry in 1998 at Electronic Products magazine, and since then has worked for a variety of publications, most recently as Editor-in-Chief of Power Systems Design.
Alix currently lives in Wiesbaden, Germany.