Dominion Electronics A602 6U 64-bit VMEbus SBC

The A602 is a 6U 64-bit VMEbus SBC with safety features that realise the functionality of three redundant systems on a single board. Its complex FPGA-based design helps lower software development costs as it automatically manages the system’s triple-redundant processors and memory.

As a result, the system’s redundant architecture is taken advantage of by software designed for a standard single-CPU board.

The computer is designed for deterministic operation and offers extensive BITE features (eg, ECC error counters for all types of memory, monitoring of all internal voltages), internal buses with error correction and fault-tolerant (fail-operational) implementation.

Its three processors run in lockstep mode with two-out-of-three voting implemented in FPGA and software-assisted resynchronisation, while its triple redundant dynamic memory automatically corrects upsets caused by cosmic radiation (SEU) and hardware faults.

The system is powered by redundant local power supplies with separate power supplies for the three CPUs and the three main memory banks.

All I/O is realised in FPGAs (SEU resistant, developed according to DO-254) and available on the system’s rear connectors. Additionally, the device offers an RS232 interface on the front panel and two PMC slots: one universal PMC slot with front and rear I/O and a customised slot for an AFDX PMC with rear I/O only.

A second device can be connected to build a high-reliability cluster. The two computers exchange data via a sextuple UART connection and a BMCX link.