Samtec's VITA 57.4 FMC+ increases the performance of VITA 57.1 FMC standard products to 28 Gbps

     Samtec's VITA 57.4 FMC+ specification improves the performance of VITA 57.1 FMC standard products by extending the total number of gigabit transceivers to 32 and increasing the maximum data rate to 28 Gbps. Both are important developments in embedded computing design using FPGAs and high-speed I/O. Additionally, backward compatibility is achieved using connectors that allow the FMC+ carrier to accept the original FMC mezzanine.

     The FMC+ features larger connectors from the SEARAY family of high-speed, high-density arrays. This High Serial Pin Connector (HSPC) has 560 pins arranged in a 14x40 array. While FMC+ cards can only be inserted into FMC+ carriers due to their larger connectors, original FMC cards can also be inserted thanks to a custom polarization system that provides true backward compatibility.

     The FMC and FMC+ standards are critical for FPGA vendors to create substrates and comprehensive development kits that enable designers to accelerate the development of their applications. Supplier companies continue to introduce FMC-related products for target market-specific applications in industries such as datacom, broadcast, aerospace and defense, and industrial and instrumentation