VME64x resulted in significant enhancements to existing specifications, satisfying the demand for more flexible I/O capability, rugged mechanics with EMC/ESD protection and larger address capability, while at the same time making it easier to use with geographical addressing and Hot-Swap.

The Carrier Board plugs in from the front of the crate in the normal way. As it is inserted, ESD protection contacts discharge any dangerous voltage safely to earth. The card begins to contact the P1 and P2 connectors and long pre-charge pins provide power to the back-end circuitry to prepare the Hot-Swap logic. While the card is levered into position by the inject/eject handles, the Hot-Swap controller is powering on the card logic and checking the supply rails allowing carrier card replacement without the need to power down. In VxWorks and EPICS systems, our software drivers will automatically re-instate the new hardware.

Transition Boards boards provide the connection required for rear I/O functions and allow signal conditioning and plant isolation to be added. All Hytec transition cards use the same inexpensive 50-way SCSI II  connector for I/O connection on the rear panel, so that inexpensive, commercially available cables can be used to connect to terminal blocks, such as our 8901 DIN-rail mounted Terminal Board.

To add to the flexibility of VME64x, we have introduced a number of plug-in cards based on the Industry Pack format. Industry Packs (IP) are about the size of a credit card and provide a range of I/O functions. The IP cards are accommodated on carrier boards such as the 8001/8002/8003 which provide sites for two or four packs. An open specification defines the key characteristics ensuring compatibility between suppliers. An ID PROM includes identification and in some cases calibration data, which makes auto-configuration with application software a possibility. They have connectors that are keyed for ease of installation. Software support is available from Hytec.