Starter-kit updates provide controller solutions

These include support for advanced in-shelf network attachment via the Network Controller Sideband Interface (NC-SI) standard.

The NC-SI support is implemented in BMR solutions based on the Actel Fusion mixed-signal FPGA.

These and corresponding solutions based on Renesas H8S microcontrollers support R3.0 of PICMG 3.0, the AdvancedTCA specification.

Mark Overgaard, president of Pigeon Point Systems, said: 'The advanced in-shelf network attachment facility supported by the updated BMR solutions based on the Fusion mixed-signal FPGA demonstrates the flexibility of an FPGA-based management controller.

'Management controller compliance with the NC-SI specification requires a reduced media independent interface capable Ethernet MAC, which is realised in this solution by including Actel's Core10/100 Ethernet MAC Directcore in the FPGA design.'
The solutions boost BMR support for in-shelf network attachment, with advanced support available on Actel's Fusion mixed-signal FPGAs.

In addition, these solutions comply with the latest revision of the AdvancedTCA specification and are available for both Actel's Fusion and Renesas H8S core silicon.

The advanced facilities in the Fusion-based BMR solutions make them more attractive for new management controller implementations for both existing and new PPS customers.

In-shelf network attachments for management controllers in AdvancedTCA boards allow these high-speed connections to be used for a variety of purposes that improve usability and reduce operational expense, including remote access to on-board serial interfaces and quick management controller firmware updates.

Compliance with the third major revision of the AdvancedTCA specification enables features, such as intelligent subsidiary field replaceable units (FRUs), and aligns AdvancedTCA products with the requirements for traceability improvements in the new specification revision.