Even now, industrial computers are still large and heavy, so it is difficult to provide optimized solutions for industrial needs. Industrial motherboards are constantly shifting to small computing boards or embedded motherboards.
Embedded motherboards are specially designed to meet industrial requirements and are available in various sizes for various applications. These modules start in size from 58 mm x 65 mm, can be provided separately, can be integrated into machines that require computing components, or can be used as part of a complete turnkey solution. Longrui Zhike provides a variety of solutions to many manufacturers. Available form factors include Core Express, COM Express, Mini-ITX, Q7, 3.5 inches, PC-104, PICO-ITX and ATX motherboards.
Backplane The
backplane (or "backplane system") is a set of electrical connectors connected in parallel, used to connect multiple printed circuit boards together to form the backbone of a complete computer system. The backplane is used to connect the SBC and provide the same functions as the motherboard. You can insert multiple SBCs on the backplane to improve system performance.
COM request in the backplane system
Modular systems, such as Compact PCI serial, VPX and VME for defense, aerospace, and government markets, and PXI, AXI, and VXI for test and measurement, account for about one-third of the entire embedded computing board market . In fact, none of these systems use a modular design approach that uses "modular computers." Therefore, a paradigm shift is required.
Modular backplane systems are very suitable for building embedded systems based on commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) components. All these components are standardized, not only at the board level, but also at the system and rack level. This makes it easy to select a single CPU board, power supply, expansion card and chassis according to customer needs. This means that the hardware tasks of the system integrator can usually be completed quickly and cost-effectively. Of course there is a market for customized backplanes, enclosures and racks. In fact, customization at the system level is very common. But at the board level, backplane system engineers usually have to adopt the available functions, because customized board-level designs are not economical for small end applications.
Modular computer approach
In fact, even custom-made off-the-shelf boards are relatively expensive. However, between the 100% classic slot SBC and the 100% fully custom design approach, there is actually a third very attractive option at an attractive price: the modular computer approach. The modular computer provides processor performance through standardized interfaces and standardized interfaces for customized operators. They are ready and have a dedicated BSP that integrates all specified drivers and can be obtained from various vendors. With the help of a modular computer, it is possible to develop a customized carrier for the system CPU board size in a cost-effective manner. The advantage is that the CPU board of the backplane system can better adapt to the needs of the application. The carrier only has the required interfaces, and the CPU module has reached a perfect balance in terms of price and performance. The design becomes less complicated, with fewer layers, and therefore lower prices. In addition, it can also be more compact than the COTS variants of transition equipment designed to meet as many needs as possible.
Improved scalability of the edge
Since it is easy to extend performance through standard components, the same board can also be reused. For example, by implementing modules with more cores for more real-time virtual machines to meet the different needs of edge computing. This kind of multitasking edge setting usually does not require other physical interfaces. Only performance needs to be expanded to perform other tasks, such as data analysis or flow control. It is also better to use modules to balance the performance of circuit boards, because they are usually available for all relevant processors of a generation, and mature backplane system CPU circuit board suppliers usually need to limit the choice of processors.
Improve return on investment
Another benefit of COM-based SBC is that it improves the long-term return on investment (ROI): After the operator is tailored to the needs of the operator, it can not only be expanded within a certain range, but can also be reused for many years. In the processor era, it can also be passed on from generation to generation and even switch between processor vendors or architectures. When using traditional socket CPU boards, OEMs must request the socket board suppliers to perform a complete custom design every time a new processor needs to be integrated. All these benefits make the use of modular computers and dedicated carriers to customize the processor performance and computing function set of the backplane system really attractive.