cPCI Backplanes / CompactPCI Serial Backplanes

CompactPCI (cPCI) and CompactPCI Serial backplanes provide a method of physically and electrically connecting together multiple devices such as plugin cards and modules with additional memory, I/O, peripherals and other devices, according to a defined standard that was designed to use Eurocard form factors and PCI signaling and protocols.

cPCI backplane technology is based on the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG) standards, offering a modular approach to system design.

Engineered for applications requiring exceptional reliability and efficiency, these backplanes can provide robust interconnect architectures for modular electronics.

Compact Form Factor Backplanes with Versatile Connectivity

Designed to meet the demanding requirements of military, aerospace, and industrial sectors, CompactPCI technology delivers high-performance in rugged and mission-critical environments. The small footprint optimizes space in densely packed enclosures, an essential characteristic for military and aerospace systems with strict size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints. The standardized Eurocard format ensures compatibility with a wide range of plug-in cards, enabling multi-vendor interoperability.

The CompactPCI Serial variant enhances this versatility by incorporating advanced connectivity options, such as Gigabit Ethernet, SATA, and PCIe, on a single plane. This integration simplifies system design and reduces wiring complexity, streamlining assembly and maintenance in time-sensitive operations.

CompactPCI Backplanes for Military and Aerospace Applications

cPCI and CompactPCI Serial backplanes are growing more common in military applications, enabling defense OEMs and systems integrators to take advantage of a wide variety of existing COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) hardware from multiple vendors without needing to spend time and resources developing bespoke solutions.

CompactPCI backplanes’ robust design and high bandwidth capabilities make them ideal for a variety of applications, including:

• Command and Control Systems: Providing seamless integration of sensors, displays, and communication modules for real-time decision-making.
• Electronic Warfare: Enabling high-speed signal processing for threat detection and neutralization.
• Surveillance Systems: Supporting high-resolution imaging and video processing for reconnaissance operations.
• Military Unmanned Systems: Offering reliable communication frameworks for military UAS, ground robots, and autonomous underwater vehicles.

Ruggedized cPCI Backplanes

Specifically engineered for durability and reliability in harsh operating environments, cPCI backplanes are typically built to comply with MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461 standards, and are able to withstand extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The ruggedized construction ensures stable performance in tactical operations, whether deployed on naval vessels, armored vehicles, or UAS.

Their ability to operate under challenging conditions makes them ideal for mission-critical applications where failure is not an option. For instance, CompactPCI Serial backplanes are often integral to avionics systems, facilitating high-speed data flow between sensors, navigation systems, and communication modules.

Ruggedization techniques that can be employed to enable cPCI backplanes to withstand harsh and demanding battlefield environments include:

• Conformal coatings to protect components.
• Enhanced shock and vibration resistance.
• Thermal management features such as conduction cooling that allows excess heat to be transferred to the chassis.

CompactPCI Serial Backplanes: cPCI Upgraded

CompactPCI Serial (cPCI-S) is an upgraded version of the CompactPCI standard, providing enhanced throughput capabilities to support high-speed data transfers. This design update replaces CompactPCI’s parallel data bus with high-speed serial interconnects.

These upgraded capabilities are advantageous for a number of military applications, especially those that require large-scale data processing and real-time performance such as ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), sensor fusion, and tactical communications.

With data rates exceeding 12 Gbps per lane, cPCI-S backplanes can enable seamless communication across system components, ideal for applications such as radar processing, electronic warfare, and real-time analytics in unmanned systems.

Their slot-based architecture can ensure that systems can be easily scaled or reconfigured, enabling rapid deployment of new capabilities to address evolving mission requirements.

This scalability makes cPCI backplanes ideal for embedded computing platforms used in military command centers and airborne surveillance systems.

CompactPCI Backplane Technology for Embedded Computing

In embedded computing platforms, CompactPCI and cPCI-S backplanes often serve as the backbone for reliable and efficient communication between processors, I/O modules, and peripherals. Their deterministic performance can ensure consistent data delivery, a crucial factor in real-time applications like autonomous vehicle control and missile guidance systems.

Furthermore, these backplanes are typically designed for long lifecycle support, accommodating extended deployments typical of defense and aerospace programs.

Manufacturers may offer a range of configurations, including passive and active backplanes, to meet the specific power and signal distribution needs of various embedded computing systems.

3U & 6U cPCI Form Factors

CompactPCI backplanes are designed to accept cards that are either 3U or 6U in width. While both form factors are found in military systems, 3U boards may be more suitable for certain applications, as their smaller size allows them to better resist shock and vibration.

Up to eight boards can be connected together on a backplane in a segment, and multiple segments can be connected together via a bridge. Some backplanes provide a hybrid design that features cPCI slots as well as other form factors such as VPX or WME, allowing for a more versatile approach to designing military computing systems.