Performance Technologies PMC101

Introduction

The PMC101 is a stand-alone processor element, packaged as an advanced PTMC module. It has been specially designed for demanding LAN/WAN networking, telecommunications, network management and data/process control applications. The PMC101 provides systems integrators the ability to extend and tailor the performance of their CompactPCI® and AdvancedTCA® packet processing and I/O systems to meet the increasing needs for network-centric processing and management.

The PMC101 is PICMG® 2.15 Configuration 5-compatible - a standard that was originated by Performance Technologies. It scales the performance of CompactPCI and AdvancedTCA base boards by offloading compute-intensive, upper layer tasks associated with protocol processing, packet processing, data filtering or I/O management. For example, when used with a signaling blade, the PMC101 can handle most of the application, allowing the base board processor to handle more links or DS0s. It can also be used as a clustered processor element in an embedded environment.

The PMC101 has been Network Optimized™ for operation in today's architectures. It features built-in TCP acceleration hardware, which preserves processor cycles for the applications instead of Ethernet packet handling, and dual Gb interfaces to the base board, which means that processes will not be I/O-bound. These key features yield higher effective throughput with lower power consumption than competing products.

The PMC101 is the clear choice for developers looking for a means of extending the life and performance of their carrier cards and I/O subsystems. System designers can use this intelligent platform with best-of-class base boards and other PMC modules to enhance the capabilities of their media and signaling gateways, IP media equipment, telecom switching/routing infrastructure and SS7 network elements.

Hardware Features

The PMC101 is built around an 800MHz 440GX PowerPC with L1/L2 cache and built-in TAH (TCP acceleration hardware). This device offers a very cost-effective, Network Optimized approach to performing packet processing and general computing tasks. The PMC101 comes standard with maximum available RAM and independent boot ROM, so it can operate as an independent processing element

Extensive Software Support

The PMC101 comes with NexusWare™ Core, Performance Technologies' highly integrated, Linux-based, development, integration and management environment. NexusWare Core features an integrated suite of carrier-grade device drivers for full access to onboard resources (Ethernet, PCI) as well as a powerful and easy to use API.