New-Tech Europe Magazine | April 2019

used development standard. To better synchronize the two standards, the Technical Work Group responsible for FMC+ is currently finalizing the revision of VITA 57.1 FMC. This is in line with ANSI procedure to revalidate a Standard for accuracy every 5 years. The result of the FMC revision efforts has led to improvements in figures, tables, and general document layout. Some of the more substantive changes include the addition of a larger EEPROM as well permissions to RF FPGA developers regarding ground usage. Once this revision is approved and ratified by ANSI, the Technical Work Group will begin the VITA 57.5 Study Group entitled “Physical Tools to Aid FMC+ Development”. This project includes: FMC+ cable assemblies, loopback cards for FPGA development, and jackscrew standoffs to ease separation of high pin count applications.

One final aspect the group would like to address is with regards to analysis and simulation tools that would make selecting compatible hosts and modules easier for system integrators. VITA 57.2 and 57.3 would embody these efforts. The combined FMC family of Standards will continue to evolve around developments in FPGA technology providing improved design tools and a faster time to market. Call to action: Stay informed as new standard emerges (join LinkedIn FMC group/JOIN VITA) (Get involved) VITA backlink: https://www.linkedin. com/groups/2450735

of different mezzanines into their current designs. As FPGA technologies are used on a broader scale, FMC+ applications continue to grow. While FMC+ may be primarily used as an enabling technology of next generation rapid prototyping and development, many other applications are available for FMC+ deployment, especially in the context of VITA. One of the most popular standards within VITA, VPX utilizes a wide variety of VITA technologies with slot profiles and chassis assemblies. This includes FMC and FMC+. VPX Plug- In modules are frequently adapted for particular I/O needs using mezzanine cards, thus the addition of FMC+. Beyond the realm of VITA Standards, FMC continues to gain traction in every aspect of embedded hardware. From space stations to ruggedized sub-systems, FMC deployment provides flexible and attractive features to those constructing full system architectures as well as COTS products. FPGA-based technologies should also see adoption in software defined radio, optics, and advanced sensor/ radar applications. Improvements that FMC+ offers such as more bandwidth, more channels, and a more complete solution are shared by all of these industries. With its higher data rates and cost-effective approach, system developers can have confidence that FMC+ will excel in these areas. Despite the growing list of accomplishments taking place within VITA, the work within the FMC family of Standards is not yet done. Several projects are ongoing that will continue to improve upon this widely

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