Ethernet switching with an MCH
07 October 2008
An MCH provides system management and Ethernet switching for up to 12 AdvancedMC modules.
The Kontron AM4901 MCH (Management Controller Hub) expands the company’s MicroTCA range and contains an unmanaged BCM5396 Ethernet switch, which simplifies designs and improves costs. The AM4901 provides one GbE uplink on the front, and on the edge connector there are 12x GbE for AMCs plus one GbE for MCH interlink. In addition to the standard LED indicators, there are status LEDs for 12 AdvancedMC modules on the front, as well as RJ45 connectors for one FE management interface and one serial interface to access the management controller (MCMC). For management functions, it contains an MCMC LPC2368 with Kontron IPMI SW with IPMB-L links to AdvancedMC modules, I2C to SEEPROM on the backplane, and I2C as well as IPMB-0 links for power management and cooling. The AM4901 also supports JTAG.
The manufacturer claims that typical applications are image processing in the industrial and medical sectors, industrial control systems, information systems for trains, and simple communication systems without need for managed switches. Furthermore, they claim that by offering only the most essential feature sets the AM4901 enables MicroTCA compliant designs while remaining sensitive to costs. This is because unlike the telecommunication segment where advanced feature sets require managed switches with complex control software, such features are not required in most industrial applications.
Irene Hahner, Product Manager at Kontron said: “It supplements the current activities in the PICMG concerning MicroTCA.1 which target MicroTCA in a rougher industrial environment outside the central office as well as in vehicles. There are a number of MCHs on the market, but we could not find anyone addressing the low cost segment. The Kontron AM4901 will help Kontron’s customers address a broader range of applications. The AM4901 is a perfect fit for designing a complete and highly versatile MicroTCA platform that is cost-effective and more advanced than other competing products.”
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