New VPX 2-slot backplane enhances VITA 62 power system development

The rugged backplane features a VITA 46/65-compliant pass-through power and ground slot that can be SOSA aligned as well as suitable for custom designs, making it ideal for a range of harsh environments in embedded applications. The rear I/O of the VITA46/65 slot can be used for a rear transition module (RTM) or for cabling.

Designed with power studs used for both input and output power, the new backplane can serve as a power source to other connected backplanes within the same chassis. The board also comes with a header for various I/O signals, including voltage sense, current share, and IPMB interface as well as inhibit, enable, and fail. 

Aside from the assigned pins for 3.3, 5 and 12V power, all remaining pins are user-defined. The fully populated rear connectors are accessible via Elma’s slot-to-slot or slot-to-I/O bulkhead cable assemblies and the backplane comes with utility and ground planes defined.

The new board features selectable geographical addressing via a DIP switch as well as a 12-layer design to IPC Class 3, with 1oz copper outer layers and 2oz copper inner layers. The utility plane is implemented in the P0 pin, and the system management bus is routed two of the boards headers. With insulators or fins as a custom assembly, the backplane can be used for 270VDC operation in high altitudes.