Description
FORCE PMC422FP – Front‑panel RS‑422/485 Multi‑port Serial I/O PMC for Industrial and Defense Platforms
The FORCE PMC422FP is a PCI Mezzanine Card designed to add reliable multi‑channel RS‑422/485 serial communications to VME, CompactPCI, and other PMC‑capable carrier boards. From my experience, teams choose this module when they need deterministic, low‑latency serial I/O with clean front‑panel access—typical in motion control, telemetry, and secure console aggregation. You might notice that “FP” indicates front‑panel I/O, making field wiring straightforward without relying on rear transition modules.
In many cases, four independent differential ports are available for asynchronous communications, with robust electrical characteristics suited for noisy environments. It’s a practical fit when RS‑422/485 is a site standard and you want drop‑in expandability on existing FORCE or third‑party PMC carriers.
Our Order Placement Process & Guarantees
- Warranty: 365 days
- Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month at the latest
- Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment prior to delivery
- Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL
Key Features
- Front‑panel RS‑422/485 access – Direct connector access at the front, which typically simplifies commissioning and field service.
- Multi‑port design – Commonly 4 independent differential serial channels for device, sensor, or console attachment.
- Industrial noise immunity – RS‑422/485 differential signaling appears to be resilient against EMI common in factory floors and mobile platforms.
- PMC form factor – Fits standard PMC sites on VME/CompactPCI carriers; no chassis redesign required.
- Deterministic PCI interface – Low latency data path through the PMC PCI bus, suitable for control loops and telemetry.
- Configurable RS‑485 modes – Half‑duplex or full‑duplex support is typical, with termination/bias options (via jumpers or software, depending on revision).
- Broad OS support – In most cases, drivers or standard serial support are available for Linux, Windows, and VxWorks on compatible carrier platforms.
- Compact and low power – Standard PMC size with modest power draw, helping with thermal headroom in dense 19-inch racks.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Model | FORCE PMC422FP |
| HS Code | 8471.80 (Other units of automatic data processing machines) |
| Form Factor | PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card), ANSI/VITA 20/29 compliant footprint |
| Bus Interface | PCI on PMC site (typically 32‑bit, 33/66 MHz depending on carrier support) |
| Serial Ports | Multiple channels (commonly 4) of asynchronous RS‑422/485 |
| Signal Input/Output Types | Differential TX/RX pairs; RS‑485 half/full duplex modes; termination/bias per channel where supported |
| Max Baud Rate | Up to 921.6 kbps is typical for similar FORCE PMC serial cards |
| Front‑panel Connector | High‑density front connector (varies by revision); breakout cables to DB9/DB25 are commonly used |
| Power Requirements | PMC 3.3 V and/or 5 V rails; typical consumption < 5 W for multi‑port serial I/O |
| Dimensions & Weight | Approx. 74 mm × 149 mm (standard PMC); weight typically < 0.15 kg |
| Operating Temperature | Commercial: 0 to +55 °C typical; extended‑temp variants may be available by build option |
| Communication Interfaces | RS‑422/485 serial ports via front panel; host interface via PCI on PMC |
| Installation Method | Mounts to a compatible PMC site on VME/CompactPCI/embedded carrier boards; secured with standoffs and faceplate screws |
A maintenance lead from a rail integrator told us, “What sold us was the clean front‑panel wiring. We swapped a failed transceiver in minutes without cracking open the backplane.” That seems to be a common theme with PMC422FP deployments.
Related or Supporting Products
- FORCE PMC422RP – Rear‑I/O oriented variant for systems using transition modules; same serial capability routed to the backplane.
- FORCE PMC232FP – Front‑panel RS‑232 multi‑port card when single‑ended signaling is sufficient and cable runs are shorter.
- Breakout Cable Kits – High‑density front‑panel to DB9/DB25 fan‑outs to match your field devices; choose shielded, twisted‑pair for RS‑485.
- PMC Carrier Boards – VME or CompactPCI CPU/carrier boards with one or more PMC sites to host the PMC422FP.
Installation & Maintenance
- Environment & Cabinet – Install on a compatible PMC carrier inside an IEC 60297 19-inch rack or industrial enclosure. Maintain clear airflow; target inlet air below 40 °C for commercial temp cards.
- Wiring Practices – Use shielded twisted‑pair cabling for RS‑485/422. For long runs, keep baud rates conservative; 1200 m at lower speeds is common practice.
- Termination & Bias – Enable RS‑485 termination at bus ends; apply bias resistors as required. Configuration is typically via jumpers or software controls depending on revision.
- ESD & Handling – Power down the system, observe ESD precautions, and handle the board by the edges. Secure the faceplate and standoffs before cabling.
- Ventilation – Ensure at least moderate chassis airflow; avoid blocking the front faceplate area where connectors and status LEDs may reside.
- Routine Maintenance – Inspect connectors and cabling quarterly in high‑vibration sites. Clean dust using dry air. Firmware or driver updates should be scheduled during maintenance windows.
- Diagnostics – Loopback tests on each port help validate wiring and termination; most teams script this on Linux or VxWorks for commissioning.
Quality & Certifications
- CE compliant for EMC/safety (typical for FORCE PMC modules)
- RoHS compliance on later builds, where applicable
- Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems
- Manufacturer’s standard warranty usually 1 year; we support a 365‑day warranty on supply
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