In a recent announcement, PICMG, the consortium for open hardware specifications, released InterEdge, a modular architecture for process control systems (PCS). The IEC 61499 and IEC 61131-compatible InterEdge specification reportedly offers an interoperable, multi-vendor alternative to proprietary Industrial PCs (IPCs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Distributed Control Systems (DCSs).

Wakefield, Massachusetts. PICMG ratified the ModBlox7 base specification, a groundbreaking solution focused on the industrial demand for modular and interoperable embedded box PCs by setting parameters for a flexible mechanical architecture and compatible modules contained in a 1.4-inch horizontal pitch (7 HP) chassis. Mounting options for up to 12 of the 7 HP units include interconnection on walls, DIN rails, or insertion into a 19” sub-rack.

San Diego, CA. congatec will be highlighting its comprehensive COM-HPC ecosystem in hall 3 booth 241 during embedded world 2023. On display will be the COM-HPC Server-on-Modules and ultra-compact COM-HPC Client-on-Modules that around the size of a credit card. The series can easily migrate to the new PICMG standard devoid of significant modification of the internal system and housing.

San Diego, CA. congatec applauds the approval of the COM Express 3.1 standard and launched 10 compliant Computer-on-Modules powered by 12th Gen Intel Core processors (formerly codenamed Alder Lake). Included in the ratification is a revised 16 Gbps COM Express connector supporting high-speed interfaces like PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.2.

WAKEFIELD, MA. PICMG revealed key extensions to the COM-HPC Computer-on-Module (COM) standard with the authorization of COM-HPC 1.15 for Functional Safety (FuSa). COM-HPC 1.15 is a set of safety protocols that develop the FuSa ability of “safety island” blocks on recent chipsets out to the holistic environment.

WAKEFIELD, MA. PICMG’s new COM Express 3.1 specification has been approved to strengthen PCIe Gen 4 and USB4. Updates include a specified 16Gps connector throughout family Type 6, 7, and 10 pinouts, SATA Gen 3, and a CEI signaling-enabled 10 GbE interface and IPMB management interface for the Type 7 pinout, a component of COM.0 R3.1. Improvement with the specification includes optional USB4 (Type 6), MIPI-CSI connectors (Types 6, 10), SoundWire (Types 6, 10), and SPI interface (Types 6, 10).

PICMG’s ModBlox7 is modular hardware standard designed to help regulate Box PCs. In this Q & A, we’re featuring Chief Product Officer at Ci4Rail, Mathias Beer, to discuss the standard, it’s impact on electronics engineering industry, and the how it provides the flexibility, modularization, and miniaturization needed by the market.