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M-Module

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M-Module Introduction

The mezzanine approach to placing multiple functions in a single card slot has been around for a long time both in proprietary and open standard forms. Valid arguments can be put forth for both of these approaches. One open standard that is gaining increasing popularity for instrument applications is the M-Module. This standard, which was originally developed in Europe for VME applications, has been embraced as ANSI/VITA 12-1996. The basic form of these modules is shown in fig. 1.

In addition to the single wide form shown, M-Modules can be developed in double, triple and quadruple wide configurations. Because of the standard's genesis in the VME world it is sized such that 4 fit in a 6U module and 2 in a 3U module. Conveniently, because of the way other backplane standards have evolved, 4 units easily fit the front panel space in VXI and 6U cPCI/PXI wile 2 will fit in the font panel space of 3U cPCI/PXI and up to 8 will fit in a 1U LXI rack mount carrier.

At the present time a number of instruments are available in the M-Module form factor in the following categories:

  • Pulse Generators
  • Function Generators
  • Abitrary Waveform Generators
  • Digital Word Generators
  • Digital Multi-meters
  • Counter/Timers
  • Rubidium Sources
  • OCXO's
  • GPS Timing Receivers
  • Distribution Amplifiers
  • Precision Voltage Sources
  • MIL-STD-1553, CANbus, ARINC429
  • Switching Modules
  • Serial, Analog & Digital I/O

A full listing of M-Modules can be found at the C&H Technologies, Inc. web site.