Acromag has launched its QMC Series, a new line of VITA 93 QMC mezzanine modules designed for embedded computing systems requiring high-density I/O solutions in compact form factors. The modules address the needs of aerospace, defense, industrial automation, transportation, and scientific research applications where size, weight, power, and cost considerations are critical.
The initial product release includes six modules and a PCIe carrier card. The QMC350 provides analog input with 20 channels performing 1MSPS 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion. The QMC440 offers digital input with 32 optically-isolated channels and interrupt capability. For digital output applications, the QMC450 delivers 32 isolated solid-state relays for AC/DC switching. Communication functions are addressed by the QMC510 octal serial module programmable for RS-232/422/485 interfaces and the QMC520 quad isolated serial module with similar interface options. The QMC730 combines multiple functions in a single module, integrating analog I/O, digital I/O, and counter/timer capabilities.
Each single-width QMC module measures 26 x 78.25 mm, occupying less than one-quarter the area of traditional PMC/XMC modules while delivering enhanced performance compared to mini PCIe solutions. The modules support PCIe Gen 4 x4 interfaces through the host connector and provide up to 20 differential or 40 single-ended I/O channels arranged in five IOPipes through the I/O connector.
The VITA 93 specification enables interoperability between compliant modules and carrier cards from different vendors, encouraging ecosystem development. QMC modules can mount on various platforms including 3U/6U Eurocards such as VPX and CompactPCI-Serial, PCIe expansion cards, and small form factors like VNX+ and custom embedded PCs. The standard supports both air-cooled and conduction-cooled applications through standardized skyline heat sinks.
System integration is simplified through intelligent platform management interface (IPMI) support, allowing smart carrier cards to read module information and sensor data from EEPROM over an I2C interface. Acromag’s Universal Software Design Suite (USW-API) provides development tools with function libraries compatible with VxWorks, Windows, and Linux operating systems.
The modular architecture scales from single-width modules to double, triple, and quad-width configurations, accommodating larger FPGA, GPGPU, and signal processing devices. Multiple QMC modules can be combined on a single carrier card, enabling mixed I/O functions without requiring separate expansion cards.
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