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A carrier board is a specialized circuit board integral to embedded systems, serving as the interface between computer-on-modules (COMs) or system-on-modules (SOMs) and other hardware components. These boards simplify integration, saving design engineers and product engineers significant time and effort while ensuring precision and reliability. COMs typically encompass a processor, memory, and essential I/O interfaces, while SOMs often include additional components such as an operating system or expanded functionalities. For applications in aerospace, military, industrial, and commercial sectors, carrier boards are a cornerstone for rugged, dependable designs.

 Types of Carrier Cards and Carrier Boards

Carrier boards come in various types to address distinct engineering requirements. Below are the primary categories:

General-Purpose Carrier Boards: Designed for versatility, these boards support common interfaces like USB, Ethernet, and HDMI, making them suitable for prototyping, educational uses, or hobbyist projects. Their adaptability makes them a reliable starting point for initial system designs.

Application-Specific Carrier Boards: Tailored for niche applications such as avionics, robotics, or secure communications, these boards integrate specialized features to meet the stringent requirements of their respective domains.

Modular Carrier Boards: These boards provide scalability and customization. Engineers can swap or upgrade components as project requirements evolve. This flexibility ensures long-term adaptability and future-proof designs.

Development and Evaluation Boards: These boards are specifically configured for testing and evaluating processors or modules, enabling developers to assess performance and compatibility before final deployment. They are typically aligned with a specific module family, ensuring streamlined development processes for aerospace and military-grade systems.

Standards

Standards are crucial in maintaining compatibility and ensuring robust performance across varied applications. Adherence to industry-leading standards delivers carrier boards that exceed expectations in reliability and interoperability. Key standards include:

  • PCI Express (PCIe): Facilitates high-speed communication between processors and peripheral devices
  • HDMI: Ensures seamless audio-visual output for monitoring and diagnostic systems
  • USB and Ethernet: Provide universal connectivity for peripherals and network integration
  • Power over Ethernet (PoE): Combines data transmission and power delivery over a single cable, streamlining system designs
  • Communication Protocols (I2C, SPI): Support efficient communication between embedded components
  • COM Express and SMARC: Establish standardized form factors and pin configurations, ensuring cross-platform compatibility

By leveraging these standards, carrier boards ensure precise integration into complex embedded systems.

Specifications

Carrier boards are meticulously designed to meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. Key specifications include:

Dimensions and Form Factors: From COM Express and VPX, the form factor determines a board’s size and compatibility with system enclosures. Compactness is emphasized without compromising performance.

Input and Output (I/O): Support for interfaces such as GPIO, UART, and HDMI enables seamless interaction with diverse components.

Power Requirements: Designed for efficiency, boards accommodate various power delivery methods, including DC barrel jacks and ruggedized connectors, ensuring stable operation in demanding environments.

Operating Temperature Range: These boards are built for resilience and operate reliably across extreme temperatures, making them ideal for aerospace and military applications.

Material and Build Quality: High-grade materials ensure long-term durability and performance under challenging conditions.

Understanding these specifications empowers engineers to select the optimal carrier board for their project’s unique demands.

Features

Carrier boards incorporate advanced features that align with the needs of aerospace and military-grade systems:

Multi-Interface Connectivity: With support for HDMI, Ethernet, USB, and more, these boards ensure seamless integration with sophisticated systems.

Customizable Configurations: Tailored options enable precise alignment with project requirements, reducing the need for costly redesigns.

Compact and Lightweight Design: This is ideal for applications where space constraints and weight are critical, such as UAVs and portable military devices.

Rugged Security Features: Advanced security options, including secure boot and hardware encryption, protect sensitive data in mission-critical operations.

Support for High-Performance Processing: Compatibility with cutting-edge COMs and SOMs ensures the ability to handle complex computational tasks with efficiency.

These features demonstrate a commitment to delivering excellence in embedded system design.

Products

A wide range of carrier boards are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of aerospace, military, and industrial applications. Examples include:

VP3500 Carrier Card: A rugged 6U OpenVPX PMC XMC MiniPCIe carrier card, the VP3500 is one of the most flexible and feature-rich OpenVPX carriers available. It expands system I/O capacity while minimizing board count and overall costs, with options for air-cooled or conduction-cooled models suited for extreme conditions.

CB2603 COM Express Carrier: Designed for scalability, the CB2603 supports Type 6 COM Express processor modules, enabling the Altair SFF System’s I/O to be customized for specific needs. It includes a PMC/XMC slot, dual MiniPCIe sockets, embedded SATA SSDs, and a MIL-STD-704 150W power supply with optional hold-up.

CB2600 COM Express Type 6 Carrier Board: A compact and versatile Type 6 COM Express carrier, the CB2600 supports a wide range of Basic and Compact Type 6 processor modules. Its 125 x 95 mm footprint makes it an excellent choice for embedded applications in space-constrained, rugged environments.

CP4200 CompactPCI (CPCI) Processor: Built around the NXP QorIQ T2081 PowerPC processor, the CP4200 is a high-performance 6U CompactPCI module. It features a quad-core processor running up to 1.8 GHz, a single DDR3L socket with optional ECC, two 66MHz 64-bit PMC slots, and three Gigabit Ethernet ports.

CU4200 Quad Core Processor: A custom-built quad-core PowerPC processor module, the CU4200 is engineered for low power consumption and high reliability. Based on the NXP QorIQ T2081 processor, it was developed to meet customer-specific requirements and is designed for seamless integration into the CU1500 1U chassis.

Manufacturers continuously innovate to offer solutions that integrate seamlessly into advanced embedded systems.

Carrier boards are essential in modern embedded systems, bridging the gap between modules and broader electronic architectures. Selecting the right carrier board for design engineers in aerospace, military, and industrial sectors ensures optimal system performance and reliability. Rigel Engineering’s focus on delivering custom electronics with minimal or no NRE makes it a trusted partner for developing mission-critical solutions. Engineers can make informed decisions that accelerate development cycles and enhance system capabilities by understanding the types, standards, specifications, and features of carrier boards.

Contact Rigel Engineering today to discuss how our carrier boards can elevate your next embedded system project.