Embedded switch boosts mobile communications

Targeting the rugged, communication-intensive applications found in transportation and other mobile environments, MEN Micro recently introduced a new 3U CompactPCI (CPCI) managed Ethernet switch. The F302 features eight Fast Ethernet channels on the front panel via RJ45, M12 or D-Sub connectors, depending upon the application, and an optional channel accessible through the rear J1 connector for fast and secure communications within an embedded system. A special service interface at the front provides a number of options to configure the Ethernet channels individually via a hardware key, a Telnet command line interface, or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), without opening the system itself. The F302 offers an operating temperature of -40°C to +85°C as well as soldered components to resist the effects of shock and vibration.  The switch uses an FPGA-based low-power CPU that integrates the configuration firmware and keeps the entire board’s power consumption to less than 7 W. The F302 supports full and half duplex, high-speed non-blocking store-and-forward switching, and auto-negotiation as well as Layer 2 switching.  The card is ready for conformal coating and has a guaranteed minimum availability of five years. Pricing for the F302 starts at $987.