Kontron VMP3 - Manual (Page 23)

VMP3 Introduction
ID 29230, Rev. 01 © 2005 Kontron Modular Computers GmbH Page 1 - 3
29230
.01.UG.VC.050727/091408
P R E L I M I N A R Y
1. Introduction
The VMP3 is a comprehensive computing platform which brings together the latest advances
in computing technology in a board designed for maximum performance, flexibility, and versa-
tility within a rugged compact format.
The VMP3 is designed to accept the E²Brain™ module EB8541 as its core processor unit. This
module which is based on the MPC8541E PowerPC CPU – a highly integrated microprocessor
containing a PowerPC e500 core – provides a very comprehensive set of system and commu-
nications interfaces.
In addition to the standard VME system interface, the VMP3 incorporates a PCI extension in-
terface for a full range of PCI peripherals, two Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, one Fast Ethernet
interface, high speed serial connectivity, an optional CompactFlash socket, and an IO exten-
sion interface which provides optional high speed serial as well as CAN interfacing, LPC inter-
facing, and an external I²C interface. For board logic and CPU test and debugging there is a
JTAG interface.
The VMP3 employs an OS-independent boot loader that enables the loading of any PowerPC
enabled operating system. This boot loader makes an update of the Flash contents and auto-
matically downloads from Flash to SDRAM before booting the OS. For performance reasons
the OS is started from the DDR-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 VMP1-IO1 modules onto the board resulting
in a total package of up to 14HP. Both VMP1-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 ex-
ample, the connection of the widest range of system I/O components such as various field bus-
ses and Ultra 2 SCSI, to name just a few. The complete range of expansion possibilities is thus
made available to the user by the VMP3.