Kontron VMP2 - Manual (Page 23)

VMP2 Introduction
ID 24855, Rev. 02 Page 1 - 3 © 2002 PEP Modular Computers GmbH
1. Introduction
The VMP2 is a comprehensive computing platform which brings togethor the latest
advances in computing technology in a board designed for maximum performance, flex-
ibility and versatility within a rugged compact format.
The design centered on realizing a board which addresses the need for increased com-
puting capacity while at the same time reducing the size and number of system compo-
nents in order to reduce space requirements and optimize power dissipation.
The VMP2 is based on the MPC8245, a highly integrated microprocessor containing a
PowerPC MPC603e core. This is the 330 MHz version with a Floating Point Unit (FPU).
One of the prime advantages of utilizing the established and proven MPC603e core is
the associated broad infrastructure of support that has built up around it . All of the note-
worthy third-party software tool vendors provide tools for the MPC8245.
An important feature of the board is the integration of a PCI bus within a VME-CPU
board. This connects the MPC8245 with the Fast Ethernet controller and the Tundra
Universe II PCI/VME bridge and also to the onboard 100-pin PCI expansion connector,
enabling the connection of the full range of PCI peripherals.
The VMP2 employs an OS-independent boot loader that enables the loading of any
operating system. This boot loader makes an update of the Flash contents and automat-
ically downloads from Flash to SDRAM before booting the OS. For performance rea-
sons the OS is started from the SDRAM.
The power of the board is greatly enhanced by means of the PCI expansion connector
which makes it possible to cascade one or two additional IO1 modules onto the board
resulting in a total package of either 8HP or 12HP. Both IO1 modules may be used to
carry PMC modules. Given the wide range of PMC modules now available, this feature
affords the user a very wide range of options. Additionally, one can substitute a module
designed to provide an even greater range of PCI peripherals in place of either of the
IO1 modules. These features enable, for example, the connection of the widest range of
system I/O components such as various field busses, Fast Ethernet and Ultra 2 SCSI, to
name just a few. The complete range of expansion possibilities is thus made available to
the user by the VMP2.