AMD G-Series SOC integrates CPU, GPU and I ... - ICC Media GmbH

TANSPORTATIONFigure 5. Maintenance-free Fast Ethernet switch. The rugged aluminum enclosure is IP67compliantprocessors are also used in many cases. Withless than one watt of power dissipation, sometypes of the PowerQUICC II and III familiesare very power saving, while the high-performancetypes of the QorIQ family offer up toeight processor cores. Even combinations ofIntel-based host CPUs with PowerPC basedslave CPUs inside the same system are common,for example for diagnosis and maintenancefunctions in different applications. A slaveCPU connected via Ethernet could act as a diagnosisbuffer. The PowerPC card running theVxWorks real-time operating system needswell under two seconds to boot and is readyfor operation long before the Intel host is.No matter whether you deal with a Compact-PCI (Serial) or another type of embedded system– the top priorities are always compactand robust design, and standard conformity.Computer-On-Modules (COMs) also allowsetting up small systems in a very flexible andinexpensive way. While the COM as a standardcomponent already implements the entire computerarchitecture, carrier boards tailored tothe specific application can be designed withinshort time. COM standards like ESMexpressand ESMini are enclosed by an aluminumcase that is connected to the housing wall totransfer the heat. They have been designed forfanless conductive-cooling systems right fromthe beginning. Based on this, standard systemssuch as box computers are also available. Theycan be used to control different vehicle functions,and special enclosure models can alsobe protected against splashing water (IP67).Intelligent display computers for passengerinformation systems (PIS) and driver cabinsystems are ideally set up with conductioncooling features, too, and are then availablefor applications up to the Tx temperaturerange (-40°C to +70°C in continuous operationand 10 minutes up to +85°C). Like Compact-PCI systems, box and display computers shouldhave railway-compliant networks and phoneconnections for wireless communication, inaddition to the usual computer interfaces –for instance to transfer service data to thecontrol center or to receive traffic information.Finally, Ethernet switches make communicationinside the vehicle work and distribute relevantinformation to different computer systems.They are currently being used mainly fordata-intensive newer equipment such as infotainmentand content servers, CCTV videosurveillance cameras, web access and wirelessservices like GPS or GSM. Other subsystemsstill more or less communicate via standardizedfieldbuses like WTB/MVB, CAN bus, ProfiNetor WorldFIP. However, some manufacturershave already taken the first step and haveestablished Ethernet IP as an information busbeside WTB as the train bus and MVB, CANetc as the vehicle bus. Ethernet switches canbe found as assemblies in CompactPCI systemsand are used as plug-in components for 19“systems and as compact, independent deviceswith IP67 protection.The train as a modern transportation systemis getting computerized to a growing extent.Computer systems for railway applicationshave to be able to include all current PC functionsand have all the up-to-date technology.But not only that: robustness, safety and longtermavailability are also demanded in thismarket. Possessing the relevant know-how andthe necessary key competences is importantfor the manufacturers of these kinds of computers.That’s how the worldwide renaissanceof rail traffic can have permanent success –and why not, as the future number 1 trafficcarrier? 11 May 2013