Technical Specifications​

CompactPCI PICMG 2.0 and PICMG 2.1 compliant. Available documentation lists 3U 4HP/8HP or 6U 4HP build options depending on order code. Processor options include Intel Core i7 embedded quad-core or dual-core configurations, Intel Core 2 Duo configurations and Intel Pentium M/Celeron M configurations depending on variant. Memory options include DDR2, DDR3 or DDR3L SODIMM/soldered RAM, with published builds from 512 MB to 16 GB depending on configuration. Storage options include soldered industrial SSD, SLC Disk-on-Module, CompactFlash and SATA SSD. Network interfaces include two to four Gigabit Ethernet ports using Intel 82574L or equivalent controllers. USB includes USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports by variant. Video includes VGA, with HDMI or DVI available on certain 6U/rear-I/O builds. Serial includes RS-232, RS-422/485 or isolated RS-485 by variant.

Functional Features​

Extended-temperature builds support -40°C to +85°C operation with conformal-coated PCB, soldered memory and solid-state storage. Standard laboratory builds support 0°C to +55°C with removable memory and disk. Hot-swap CompactPCI power and enumeration supported under PICMG 2.1. LabVIEW Real-Time, NI Linux Real-Time, VxWorks, Phar Lap ETS or Windows Embedded support depending on factory image. Passive aluminum heatsink or conduction-cooled mechanical frame for shock and vibration environments.

Materials And Structure​

6061-T6 or equivalent aluminum front panel with hard anodize or anti-corrosion treatment. Multilayer high-Tg FR-4 PCB with conformal coating on rugged builds. Gold-plated CompactPCI backplane contacts, industrial RJ-45, USB, D-sub and terminal interfaces. Stainless or plated steel ejector locks for vibration retention.

Working Principle​

The backplane supplies +5 V, +3.3 V and +12 V according to the CompactPCI power pins. Onboard wide-temperature regulators create CPU, memory, storage and I/O rails. The processor runs real-time control loops, data-acquisition tasks, signal processing or test sequences. Ethernet and serial interfaces exchange data with sensors, I/O modules, HMIs and host servers. Watchdog, RTC and nonvolatile storage maintain autonomous operation after power loss or reboot.

Installation Requirements​

Mount in a standard 19-inch or Eurocard CompactPCI chassis with matching 3U or 6U mechanics. Confirm backplane output capability, slot width, J1/J2 I/O and RTM compatibility. For extended-temperature duty, use conductive aluminum chassis walls or forced airflow according to the order-code thermal grade. Torque ejector screws to the chassis specification to ensure EMI contact and vibration retention.

Usage Precautions​

Verify the exact CPCI-3840AH order suffix because CPU, memory, storage, temperature rating and I/O differ between builds. Use only wide-temperature SSD, memory and RTM in -40°C to +85°C configurations. Perform firmware, LabVIEW and OS updates with the NI-qualified image for the specific board revision. Avoid liquid, salt fog and abrasive cleaning agents on front-panel connectors unless the conformal-coating grade is confirmed.