Overview

Complete units, as defined in the AMC standard, e.g. MicroTCA, are extremely flexible when it comes down to the data- and clock pulse interfaces used in-between the assembly groups. To ensure correct management of all resources, every system comes with a “Shelf Management Controller” (ShMC), or “MicroTCA Carrier Hub” (MCH), who ensures error-free functioning of the overall system, as well as of each assembly group. To do so the MCH communicates with a “Module Management Controller” (MMC) when the system is turned on or an AMC card is plugged into an operating system. The MMC is mandatory for every card, as specified in the AMC standard. In addition to providing the data- and/or clock pulse paths requested by the AMC card the Management Controller also ensures trouble-free plug and remove of modules in an operating system (Hot Swap).
To communicate with a system’s CPU, the GPS180AMC uses an “x1 PCI Express Interface (PCI Express r1.0a)” in the “Fat Pipe Region, Port 4”.

Clock Pulse System:

AdvancedMC defines a system to distribute (reference-) clock pulses and allows the construction of hierarchical clock pulse structure which is important especially in the telecommunication field. The GPS180AMC Module realizes the topology “SONET/SDH/PDH System Timing Module” as defined in the AMC standard:
The clock pulse signals (Direction: Out from Module) provided by the GPS180AMC are derived from the assembly group’s master oscillator. At GPS synchronization the master oscillator is being adjusted to the set point frequency and determines the free running qualities in case of a failure of the GPS receiver.

Hot Swap:

AMC Modules can either be inserted or removed from the MicroTCA system while operating. The hot swap ability is realized by a lever mechanism (AMC Handle) including a micro switch, a status LED (blue LED), and the communication between the management controllers.