Motorola Computer Group Announces Transition Module Designed to Simplify PMC Rear I/O Process.

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 1999--

Motorola Computer Group (MCG), the world's leading supplier of embedded computing platforms for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Monday introduced the TM-PIM, the industry's first transition module designed to work with the proposed PMC Interface Module (PIM) architecture for modular rear I/O.

This standards-based architecture allows a single transition module to replace what previously required numerous unique designs. The TM-PIM enables MCG to provide its OEM customers with faster time to market and a cost-effective, simplified configuration with standard, off-the shelf products. MCG also announced its first PIM, providing an E1 interface for the company's MPMC860 controller.

A growing number of VME and CompactPCI applications in the telecommunications and industrial automation industries require rear I/O support, simplifying service by avoiding the error-prone, front recabling process.

Today, PCI mezzanine card (PMC) rear I/O, however, is very expensive and time consuming since it requires the design and release of a new custom transition module for each PMC/carrier configuration.

For example, if an OEM has six PMCs and six carriers, it would require 126 transition modules to support all the possible combinations. The proposed PIM architecture would require only 12 modules-six transition and six PIMs.

"MCG's PIM-based products will play a key role in the move to simplify rear I/O," said Greg Novak, product marketing manager, MCG. "When used as part of the proposed PIM architecture, it helps our OEM customers obtain the exact rear I/O configuration they require much more quickly and easily than before."

The TM-PIM transition module provides rear I/O for MCG's MCPN750 series of CompactPCI single-board computers. Two PIM sites are provided that interface with each of the PMC sites on the MCPN750. The TM-PIM module is 6U high, 80mm deep and IEEE 1101.11 compliant.

In addition to the two PIM sites, the rear panel supports two COM ports and one 10/100BaseTx ethernet port. A socket for user-supplied CompactFLASH modules is behind the front panel.

MCG's PIM-0100 provides flexible rear I/O for PMC cards that are designed to be PIM compatible. This E1 interface PIM is designed with fuses and 120 ohm termination. Models are available for the MPMC860 E1/T1 PMC as well as other vendors PMCs.

PMC Interface Modules (PIM) Standard MCG is playing an instrumental role in the approval of the VITA 36-199x PIM standard, which is currently supported by a variety of PMC users and vendors. This standard simplifies the implementation of rear PMC I/O by partitioning the design.

The system architect can then mix and match pairs of PMCs and PIMs, creating for the first time a cost-effective, field upgradable rear cabling option. PMC and PIMs pairs are designed to work together; VME or CompactPCI carriers and PIM transition modules pairs are designed to work together. PMC/PIM pairs can then be mixed without the need for a custom transition module.

Alan Deikman, chief technology officer of ZNYX Corp., an MCG Embedded Connections Partner and PMC supplier, said, "MCG's active participation in the PIM standard will benefit the entire industry. ZNYX has been working with MCG since the early phases of the PIM standard.

"As a result, we are planning to release rear I/O multi-channel Fast Ethernet LAN products that incorporate our RAINlink High Availability technologies immediately after the PIM architecture is finalized."

Pricing & Availability Samples of the TM-PIM and the PIM are shipping today. The single-unit U.S. list price for the TM-PIM is estimated to begin at $245; the PIM list price is estimated to begin at $119.

About Motorola

Motorola Computer Group (MCG), headquartered in Tempe, is the world's leading supplier of embedded computing platforms to OEMs for use in telecommunications, imaging and industrial automation applications worldwide.

MCG provides best-in-class solutions by combining its advanced design engineering capability with responsive, world-class manufacturing operations. Additional information about MCG is available on the World Wide Web at www.mcg.mot.com 

MCG is part of Motorola's Integrated Electronics Systems Sector (IESS), a division of Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT). IESS is a leading provider of electronic systems for customers who integrate them into their products. The five businesses of IESS deliver high value embedded electronic solutions that enable customers to differentiate their products and lead their markets.

Motorola is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 1998 were $29.4 billion.

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