SherbyNet - /page/wikibook/entry.mu

Micron Document

<!DOCTYPE html>

<title>M-Module</title>

</head>

<span id="openzim-page-title" class="mw-page-title-main"><span class="mw-page-title-main">M-Module</span></span>

</h1>

</header>

/* start https://en.wikipedia.org/ */

.mw-parser-output .ambox{border:1px solid #a2a9b1;border-left:10px solid #36c;background-color:#fbfbfb;box-sizing:border-box}.mw-parser-output .ambox+link+.ambox,.mw-parser-output .ambox+link+style+.ambox,.mw-parser-output .ambox+link+link+.ambox,.mw-parser-output .ambox+.mw-empty-elt+link+.ambox,.mw-parser-output .ambox+.mw-empty-elt+link+style+.ambox,.mw-parser-output .ambox+.mw-empty-elt+link+link+.ambox{margin-top:-1px}html body.mediawiki .mw-parser-output .ambox.mbox-small-left{margin:4px 1em 4px 0;overflow:hidden;width:238px;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:88%;line-height:1.25em}.mw-parser-output .ambox-speedy{border-left:10px solid #b32424;background-color:#fee7e6}.mw-parser-output .ambox-delete{border-left:10px solid #b32424}.mw-parser-output .ambox-content{border-left:10px solid #f28500}.mw-parser-output .ambox-style{border-left:10px solid #fc3}.mw-parser-output .ambox-move{border-left:10px solid #9932cc}.mw-parser-output .ambox-protection{border-left:10px solid #a2a9b1}.mw-parser-output .ambox .mbox-text{border:none;padding:0.25em 0.5em;width:100%}.mw-parser-output .ambox .mbox-image{border:none;padding:2px 0 2px 0.5em;text-align:center}.mw-parser-output .ambox .mbox-imageright{border:none;padding:2px 0.5em 2px 0;text-align:center}.mw-parser-output .ambox .mbox-empty-cell{border:none;padding:0;width:1px}.mw-parser-output .ambox .mbox-image-div{width:52px}@media(min-width:720px){.mw-parser-output .ambox{margin:0 10%}}@media print{body.ns-0 .mw-parser-output .ambox{display:none!important}}

/* end https://en.wikipedia.org/ */

</style>

<p><b>M-Modules</b><sup id="cite_ref-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-1"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>1<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> are a <a href="Daughterboard" class="mw-redirect" title="Daughterboard">mezzanine</a> (<a href="Computer_hardware" title="Computer hardware">computer hardware</a>) standard mainly used in <a href="Industrial_computer" class="mw-redirect" title="Industrial computer">industrial computers</a>. Being mezzanines, they are always plugged on a carrier <a href="Printed_circuit_board" title="Printed circuit board">printed circuit board</a> (PCB) that supports this format. The modules communicate with their carrier over a <a href="Bus_(computing)" title="Bus (computing)">dedicated bus</a>, and can have all kinds of special functions.

</p><p>M-Modules are standardized as <a href="ANSI" class="mw-redirect" title="ANSI">ANSI</a>/VITA 12-1996 <a href="Expansion_card" title="Expansion card">expansion cards</a> and are especially suited for adding any kind of real-world <a href="Input/output" title="Input/output">I/O</a> to a system in a flexible way. There are modular I/O extensions for all types of industrial computers, from embedded systems up to high-end workstations. The M-Module Interface – a fast <a href="Asynchronous_I/O" title="Asynchronous I/O">asynchronous</a> <a href="Parallel_port" title="Parallel port">parallel interface</a> – offers sophisticated functions like <a href="32-bit_computing" title="32-bit computing">32-bit data bus</a>, burst transfers up to 100 MB/s, <a href="Direct_memory_access" title="Direct memory access">DMA</a> and trigger capabilities. M-Modules also offer direct <a href="Front_panel" title="Front panel">front-panel connection</a> rather than requiring a separate adapter panel with <a href="Ribbon_cable" title="Ribbon cable">ribbon-cable</a> connections. This provides a clean path for sensitive signals without loss of data or signal quality – using, for example, shielded <a href="D-subminiature" title="D-subminiature">D-Sub connectors</a> and <a href="Coaxial_cable" title="Coaxial cable">coaxial cables</a>.

</p>

<div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Overview">Overview</h2></div>

<p>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. The M-Module is one open standard that is gaining increasing popularity for applications in the fields of analog and digital I/O, instrumentation, robotics, motion functions and fieldbuses. This standard was originally developed in Germany by MEN Mikro Elektronik for <a href="VMEbus" title="VMEbus">VMEbus</a> applications and was soon expanded to support the <a href="CompactPCI" title="CompactPCI">CompactPCI</a> bus as well. It has been embraced as <a href="ANSI" class="mw-redirect" title="ANSI">ANSI</a>/VITA 12-1996.

</p><p><span class="mw-default-size" typeof="mw:File"></span>

</p><p>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 <a href="VXI" class="mw-redirect" title="VXI">VXI</a> and 6U <a href="CPCI" class="mw-redirect" title="CPCI">cPCI</a>/<a href="PXI" class="mw-redirect" title="PXI">PXI</a> while 2 will fit in the front panel space of 3U <a href="CPCI" class="mw-redirect" title="CPCI">cPCI</a>/PXI and up to 8 will fit in a 1U <a href="LAN_eXtensions_for_Instrumentation" title="LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation">LXI</a> rack mount carrier.

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

</p>

<ul><li><a href="Pulse_generator" title="Pulse generator">Pulse generators</a></li>

<li><a href="Function_generator" title="Function generator">Function generators</a></li>

<li><a href="Arbitrary_waveform_generator" title="Arbitrary waveform generator">Arbitrary waveform generators</a></li>

<li>Digital word generators</li>

<li>Digital <a href="Multimeter" title="Multimeter">multi-meters</a></li>

<li>Counter/Timers</li>

<li><a href="Rubidium" title="Rubidium">Rubidium</a> sources</li>

<li><a href="GPS_timing" class="mw-redirect" title="GPS timing">GPS timing receivers</a></li>

<li><a href="Distribution_amplifier" title="Distribution amplifier">Distribution amplifiers</a></li>

<li>Precision <a href="Voltage_source" title="Voltage source">voltage sources</a></li>

<li><a href="MIL-STD-1553" title="MIL-STD-1553">MIL-STD-1553</a>, <a href="CAN_bus" title="CAN bus">CANbus</a>, <a href="ARINC_429" title="ARINC 429">ARINC429</a></li>

<li>Switching modules</li>

<li><a href="Serial_communication" title="Serial communication">Serial</a>, Analog & Digital I/O</li></ul>

<p>A significant advantage to the M-Module is that it has a relatively straight forward set of electrical and mechanical specifications. This enables an engineer to design a function that might be required without having to become an expert on VXI, PXI or LXI as carriers are available to allow the design to be ported to the <a href="Backplane" title="Backplane">backplane</a> or bus of the test system in use.

</p>

<div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Supporting_the_standard">Supporting the standard</h2></div>

<p>As with any mezzanine card, a means must be provided through which the card may be adapted to a backplane or higher level interface. Such a device is generally referred to as a carrier. These come in two types: non-intelligent and intelligent. The functions performed by the former include the simpler functions such as mounting and providing power as well as the more complex such as providing translation between bus types, protocols, routing of triggers and interrupts and making each mezzanine appear as a separate instrument to the host backplane. Intelligent carriers will generally perform all of the functions of the non-intelligent plus perform pre or post processing of data, allow the combination of multiple instruments into composite instruments that then may be controlled at a higher level, and perform translation of commands from older instruments so as to facilitate replacement of Legacy instruments.

</p><p>Of equal or greater importance in the support of the mezzanine is the software. The majority of the M-Module instrument types referenced above come with VXI/PXI Plug-and-Play or IVI drivers. However, a number of the more control oriented M-Modules are supported only with C drivers. Actions are underway that are described below which allow application of the <a href="Plug-and-Play" class="mw-redirect" title="Plug-and-Play">Plug-and-Play</a> drivers across multiple platforms.

</p>

<div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Benefits_of_modularity">Benefits of modularity</h2></div>

<p>Perhaps the greatest advantage of an M-Module mezzanine instrument is the ability of both the vendor and the user to become "Platform Agnostic". From the vendor's perspective, it is only necessary to develop one instrument, say a Pulse Generator, and with the use of carriers he can produce the same product into <a href="VXI" class="mw-redirect" title="VXI">VXI</a>, <a href="PCI_eXtensions_for_Instrumentation" title="PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation">PXI</a>, <a href="VMEbus" title="VMEbus">VME</a>, <a href="LAN_eXtensions_for_Instrumentation" title="LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation">LXI</a> and other applications. This greatly reduces development costs when compared to the development of pulse generators for multiple buses.

</p>

<ul><li><a href="Data_logger" title="Data logger">Data logger</a></li>

<li><a href="Industrial_robot" title="Industrial robot">Industrial robot</a></li>

<li><a href="Versatile_Laboratory_Aid" title="Versatile Laboratory Aid">Versatile Laboratory Aid</a></li></ul>

<div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="References">References</h2></div>

/* start https://en.wikipedia.org/ */

.mw-parser-output .reflist{margin-bottom:0.5em;list-style-type:decimal}@media screen{.mw-parser-output .reflist{font-size:90%}}.mw-parser-output .reflist .references{font-size:100%;margin-bottom:0;list-style-type:inherit}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns-2{column-width:30em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns-3{column-width:25em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns{margin-top:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns ol{margin-top:0}.mw-parser-output .reflist-columns li{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .reflist-upper-alpha{list-style-type:upper-alpha}.mw-parser-output .reflist-upper-roman{list-style-type:upper-roman}.mw-parser-output .reflist-lower-alpha{list-style-type:lower-alpha}.mw-parser-output .reflist-lower-greek{list-style-type:lower-greek}.mw-parser-output .reflist-lower-roman{list-style-type:lower-roman}

/* end https://en.wikipedia.org/ */

</style><div class="reflist">

/* start https://en.wikipedia.org/ */

.mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit;word-wrap:break-word}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation:target{background-color:rgba(0,127,255,0.133)}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free.id-lock-free a{background:url("./mw/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited.id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration.id-lock-registration a{background:url("./mw/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription.id-lock-subscription a{background:url("./mw/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("./mw/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,body:not(.skin-timeless):not(.skin-minerva) .mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background-size:contain;padding:0 1em 0 0}.mw-parser-output .cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;color:var(--color-error,#d33)}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{color:var(--color-error,#d33)}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#085;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}@media screen{.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}html.skin-theme-clientpref-night .mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{color:#18911f}}@media screen and (prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os .mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{color:#18911f}}

/* end https://en.wikipedia.org/ */

</style><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/industrial_computers_embedded_systems/industrial_computing/m_modules">"M-Modules Selection Guide: Types, Features, Applications"</a>. <i>globalspec.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">23 January</span> 2025</span>.</cite></span>

</li>

</ol></div></div>

<div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="External_links">External links</h2></div>

<ul><li>August 2008, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.evaluationengineering.com">Evaluation Engineering Magazine</a> enews article. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.today/20081026060415/http://www.evaluationengineering.com/enews/instrumentation_august08/features/3_modules.aspx">ANSI Mezzanine Modules Provide Instrument Design/Replacement Flexibility</a> authored by Dr. Fred Harrison, Gary Guilbeaux, and David Clark of C&H Technologies, Inc.</li>

<li>ANSI/VITA 12-1996, "American National Standard for The Mezzanine Concept M-Module Specification", VMEbus International Trade Association, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.vita.com">www.vita.com</a></li>

<li>July 2011, <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20110727081615/http://www.mezzanine.org/">Mezzanines International</a></li></ul></div><div><div class="zim-footer">

This article is issued from <a class="external text" title="Last edited on 2025-01-23" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/?title=M-Module&oldid=1271355053">Wikipedia</a>. The text is available under <a class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en">Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0</a> unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.

</div>

</div></div>

</div>

</main>

</div>

</body></html>