VMIC VMIVME-5588 Fiber Optic Reflective Memory Board

Module Feature

VMIC VMIVME-5588 is a double-slot 6U VMEbus fiber-optic reflective memory board for distributed real-time systems. Onboard SRAM capacity ranges from 256 KB up to 16 MB, equipped with a 64 KB FIFO buffer for burst data transmission. Serial fiber link runs at 1.2 Gbaud; single-mode fiber supports node distance up to 10000 m, multi-mode fiber max 300 m. Maximum effective throughput reaches 29.5 MB/s under normal mode, 14.8 MB/s with redundant double transmission mode for error suppression. Network supports up to 256 independent nodes in ring topology. When any node writes data to local SRAM, hardware automatically broadcasts data to all other nodes, and the host CPU does not participate in network transmission, minimizing processor overhead. It supports cross-node hardware interrupt generation, any node can reset other nodes on the ring. VME addressing includes A24/A32, D8/D16/D32 data transfer modes. Onboard digital output bits available on front panel and P2 rear connector for external switching control. Built-in CRC error detection and internal loopback BIT diagnostic function. Software compatible with VMIVME-5578 series. Rugged double Eurocard construction, widely used in gas/steam turbine control, real-time hardware-in-loop simulation, aerospace test benches and large distributed industrial control VME chassis.

Working principle

The reflective memory ring creates a global shared memory space across all network nodes. VME host writes setpoint or process data to local onboard SRAM; hardware automatically transmits data packets over fiber to every node on the ring, updating all local memory copies simultaneously. The fiber transceiver handles serial encoding, clock recovery and CRC check. Redundant transmission mode sends data twice to reduce bit error probability. Cross-node interrupt logic enables one node to trigger interrupt signals on remote nodes for synchronous event coordination. VME slave interface completes address decoding, data handshake and status register reading for host access to memory, link state and fault flags. BIT loopback test verifies fiber transceiver and memory circuit integrity without external fiber wiring.

Onboard components

Reflective memory controller,1.2 Gbaud fiber serial transceiver, configurable SRAM array,64 KB transmit/receive FIFO, CRC error detection logic, cross-node interrupt FPGA, VME address decode logic, front panel ST fiber port, configuration jumpers, link status LED array, P2 rear I/O connector.

LED indicators

Front panel LED indicators for board power, optical link ready, transmit activity, receive activity and network fault alarm.

Hardware self-diagnosis

Visual inspection of PCB, front ejectors and solder joints; board ID register readback and firmware verification; BIT internal fiber loopback test; memory read/write test and FIFO overflow validation; redundant transmission mode test; cross-node interrupt trigger test; VME A24/A32 read/write communication test.

Programming software

VMIC reflective memory driver and API library, universal RFM configuration and BIT diagnostic utility, compatible with VxWorks, Linux and Windows embedded real-time operating systems.

Electrical & Process Parameters

Model: VMIVME-5588 Device type: Double-slot 6U VMEbus fiber optic reflective memory module Bus standard: VMEbus, A24/A32 addressing, D8/D16/D32 transfer Fiber rate: 1.2 Gbaud serial link Throughput: 29.5 MB/s normal mode,14.8 MB/s redundant mode Node count: Max 256 nodes Onboard memory: 256 KB ~16 MB SRAM, 64 KB FIFO buffer Control mode: Hardware auto mirroring, cross-node interrupt, BIT built-in self-test Power supply: +5 V from VME backplane Cooling: Convection cooling Protection: CRC error checking, FIFO overflow protection, ESD protection Mounting: Double-height 6U VME front panel ejector locking Protection class: PCB with optional conformal coating

Mechanical & Structure

Mounting: Double-slot 6U VME Eurocard Protection class: PCB with optional conformal coating

Environmental

Operating temperature: 0℃ ~ +60℃ Storage temperature: -40℃ ~ +85℃ Ambient humidity: 5~95% non-condensing Certification: CE compliant Status: VMIC double-slot VME fiber reflective memory board

Installation

Follow ESD safety procedure before handling. Fully power off VME chassis. Insert VMIVME-5588 into vacant double-height 6U VME slot and lock front panel ejector latches. Install ST fiber cables to build ring network, select single/multi-mode fiber according to node distance. Set memory size and node ID via onboard jumpers. Power on chassis, load VMIC RFM driver, run BIT self-test and multi-node synchronization verification before commissioning.

Interface

VME J1/J2 backplane connector, front panel ST fiber port, P2 rear digital I/O and status signal pins.

Diagnostic

Board undetected: poor VME backplane contact, damaged edge connector, incorrect address jumper setting. Optical link down: dirty fiber connector, fiber attenuation over limit, mismatched fiber media or wrong node ID. Data corruption: CRC error triggered, unstable power supply or FIFO overflow. Cross-node interrupt failure: interrupt register misconfiguration or RFM controller fault.

Product Brief

VMIVME-5588 VMIC double height 6U VME fiber optic reflective memory board,1.2 Gbaud ring network up to 256 nodes,hardware automatic shared memory synchronization and cross-node interrupt,for high-speed distributed real-time simulation,turbine safety control and aerospace test VME chassis systems.