Blade upgrades

Advantech’s MIC-3393 provides modular architecture by offering I/O coupled with a wide range of configuration options.

A single-slot version of the blade provides server-class, dual-core Xeon processing, extending into a dual-slot version for optimal cooling on quad-core models.

In dual-slot configurations, two extension modules are available. One dual PMC/XMC extension module provides extended I/O with front panel connectivity and can be interchanged with a storage-centric extension module exploiting Storage Matrix Technology and Rapid recovery on two 2.5″ SATA hard disks in RAID 0 or 1 configurations.

Further features include GbE performance due to the virtualisation and offload features of the Intel 82574L and 82566 controllers. The 82574L supports extended message signalled interrupts, allowing individual network flows to interrupt different CPU cores and interrupts to be directed to virtual machines, improving interrupt load distribution.

Overall I/O connectivity can be further expanded by a rear transition module. For storage, the RIO-3311 module incorporates an LSI 1064e SAS controller offering mixed SATA/SAS gen2 device configurations and it supports external port expanders as well as hot-plug.

For graphics, the module provides XGI Z11 PCIe-based server graphics supporting 1600 x 1200, 64 K hi-colour via a VGA connector. Additional COM and USB ports are also routed to the rear I/O module.