• Build-a-Board Solutions using Modular Components
• Thousands of Possible Combinations
• Incorporate Multiple Functions on a Single Board
• Flexible, FPGA-based, Patent-pending Architecture
• Go from Prototype to Production with a Single Product
• Obsolescence Proof – FPGAs, Modules can be Upgraded or Replaced
• Maximize Functionality of Mezzanine Positions on Host/Carrier Cards
• Use Available System Expansion Capacity More Efficiently
• Employ as a Demonstration Platform for New ICs
• Supports Altera Nios, SOPC Builder, and Quartus II
• Design and Build Application-specific Solutions
• Accelerate System Development, Reduce Time to Market
Lumberton, New Jersey, June 15, 2008 —PMCs have provided a means to augment embedded systems with a range of add-on capabilities such as async I/O, hard drive controllers, A:D conversion, and additional processing power to offload tasks from the principal controller. These add-ons characteristically have been provided as single function boards and work well. But designers have had to struggle with limitations. Like not having enough mezzanine sites on a host controller or carrier. Or insufficient expansion slots in system chassis. Or not quite having the right mix of mezzanines for a peculiar application. Recognizing these common frustrations leads to the question of overcoming them. With the introduction of its new Micro Mezzanine System, Technobox offers a ready answer. Based upon a patent-pending architecture, Technobox's Micro Mezzanine System offers a foundation for innovation and flexibility. The system's highly-granular modularization provides a range of FPGA-based carrier boards(initially in PMC form factor with FPGA capacities ranging from 16K to 120K LEs) and an extensive variety of 1 ¼ - inch square micro mezzanine Electrical Conversion Modules (ECMs) that can be assembled in virtually thousands of combinations. As the number of ECMs and carriers expand, the possibilities grow. It's an environment in which a designer can quickly create an array of unique, reconfigurable, application-specific board-level solutions. Customized. But without the costs normally associated with custom board development and manufacture, while speeding development and reducing time to market. The benefits are obvious. A designer might build a PMC solution around a 16K LE FPGA with 8-channel A/D conversion … plus RS232 and RS422 I/O. Or maybe a more complex version using a 70K FPGA. Or other combinations of functions to meet changeable application requirements. The key is being able to design highly flexible, modular, reconfigurable board-level solutions without compromising or simply making do with what's available. While realizing design efficiencies, containing costs, and reducing time to market. No other modular solution offers comparable latitude. Technobox´s Micro Mezzanine System is the logical next step in mezzanine board solutions. The entry-level, low-end carrier features an Altera Cyclone II FPGA with 20K LEs.