Description
The part number PMC676TX corresponds to an embedded network interface card originally developed by Ramix (later managed through GE Fanuc / Abaco Systems).
Product Specifications
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Manufacturer: Ramix / GE Fanuc / Abaco Systems
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Form Factor: PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card – Single Slot)
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Description: Dual-Port (or Single-Port via /1 variant) Copper Gigabit Ethernet PMC Network Interface Card (NIC) with deep FIFO buffers
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Controller / MAC: Intel 82546 (Dual-port) / Intel 82545 (Single-port)
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Interfaces: 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet via front panel RJ-45 copper connectors
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Bus Architecture: PCI / PCI-X (33/66 MHz, 3V and 5V signaling compatible)
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Application: High-speed real-time industrial data acquisition, defense systems, aerospace, telecommunications, and embedded computer setups.
RAMIX PMC676TX Dual Gigabit Ethernet PMC Controller Module Product Description
Product Overview
RAMIX PMC676TX is a high-performance Dual Gigabit Ethernet Controller Module designed according to the PCI Mezzanine Card (PMC) standard for embedded computing, industrial control, telecommunications, military electronics, and high-reliability data acquisition systems. As a specialized network interface expansion module, RAMIX PMC676TX provides two independent 10/100/1000Base-TX Ethernet channels, enabling high-speed and deterministic network communication between embedded processors, industrial controllers, and external Ethernet devices.
The RAMIX PMC676TX belongs to the RAMIX PMC676 series of high-performance communication modules and is designed for systems requiring high bandwidth, low latency, and stable packet processing capability. Based on the PMC form factor, RAMIX PMC676TX integrates advanced Ethernet controller technology, PCI/PCI-X bus architecture, DMA acceleration, and large FIFO buffering to reduce CPU processing load while maintaining continuous high-speed data transmission.
Within industrial automation and embedded control platforms, RAMIX PMC676TX serves as a reliable network communication interface between host processors and industrial Ethernet networks. The module supports applications requiring real-time data exchange, distributed control, remote monitoring, and large-volume data transfer. Its rugged design and compatibility with multiple operating systems make RAMIX PMC676TX suitable for long-life embedded systems where reliability and maintainability are critical.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | PMC676TX |
| Manufacturer | RAMIX (Abaco Systems / GE Fanuc related product family) |
| Product Type | Dual Gigabit Ethernet PMC Controller Module |
| Product Series | PMC676 Series |
| Module Form Factor | PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card) |
| Bus Interface | PCI / PCI-X 32-bit or 64-bit |
| PCI Bus Speed | 33/66 MHz |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 × Gigabit Ethernet ports |
| Network Standard | 10/100/1000Base-TX Ethernet |
| Connector Type | Front-panel RJ-45 connectors |
| Ethernet Controller | Intel 82546 dual-port Ethernet controller |
| FIFO Buffer | 64 KB deep FIFO buffer per port |
| DMA Function | Hardware DMA engine support |
| Data Transfer Rate | Up to 1000 Mbps per port |
| Jumbo Frame Support | Supported |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 6 W total |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V PCI signaling |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +60°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Supported OS | VxWorks, Linux, Windows, LynxOS, Solaris |
Main Features and Advantages
High-speed dual Ethernet communication:
The core advantage of RAMIX PMC676TX is its dual independent Gigabit Ethernet architecture, providing two high-performance network channels within a compact PMC module. Each Ethernet port supports 10/100/1000Base-TX communication, allowing embedded systems to exchange large amounts of control data, measurement data, and operational information efficiently.
Advanced PCI-X interface performance:
RAMIX PMC676TX uses a high-speed PCI/PCI-X interface capable of 32-bit and 64-bit operation. This architecture provides efficient communication between the host processor and network controller, reducing bus overhead and improving overall system responsiveness. The optimized bus design makes RAMIX PMC676TX particularly suitable for embedded platforms requiring continuous data throughput.
Hardware DMA acceleration:
Unlike conventional network cards that rely heavily on CPU interrupt processing, RAMIX PMC676TX integrates DMA engine technology to transfer network data directly between memory and the Ethernet controller. This reduces processor workload and improves real-time performance for industrial control and embedded computing applications.
Large FIFO buffering capability:
The integrated deep FIFO buffer design allows RAMIX PMC676TX to handle short-term network traffic bursts without data loss. This feature is especially valuable in industrial automation, test systems, and data acquisition applications where communication stability is essential.
Reliable industrial communication:
Industrial environments often require continuous operation under high data loads and electromagnetic interference conditions. RAMIX PMC676TX provides stable Ethernet connectivity and robust hardware architecture, helping maintain reliable communication between control systems and network devices.
Flexible software compatibility:
RAMIX PMC676TX supports multiple operating systems including VxWorks, Linux, Windows, LynxOS, and Solaris. This flexibility allows system integrators to deploy the module in different embedded computing environments without significant hardware redesign.
Compact PMC modular design:
The PMC form factor enables RAMIX PMC676TX to be installed in compact embedded platforms such as VME, CompactPCI, and industrial computing systems. Its modular architecture simplifies system expansion and improves maintenance efficiency.
High reliability for long lifecycle systems:
Many industrial, defense, and research systems require hardware platforms with extended service periods. RAMIX PMC676TX provides a dependable Ethernet interface solution for legacy and long-term embedded systems where replacement compatibility is important.
Application Areas
Industrial Automation Systems:
RAMIX PMC676TX is widely used in industrial automation platforms requiring high-speed communication between embedded controllers, PLC systems, industrial computers, and supervisory systems. It supports real-time exchange of production data, diagnostics information, and control commands.
Embedded Control Platforms:
Embedded computers used in industrial equipment often require additional Ethernet capability. RAMIX PMC676TX provides a compact network expansion solution for processor boards and embedded controllers.
Data Acquisition and Test Systems:
High-speed measurement systems generate large volumes of data that must be transferred quickly and reliably. RAMIX PMC676TX supports high-bandwidth Ethernet communication for automated testing, instrumentation, and monitoring applications.
Telecommunications Equipment:
Communication infrastructure requires stable and efficient network interfaces. RAMIX PMC676TX provides dual Ethernet connectivity for embedded networking equipment, gateways, and specialized communication platforms.
Military and Aerospace Electronics:
Defense and aerospace systems often require rugged embedded computing modules with long operational lifetimes. RAMIX PMC676TX supports reliable Ethernet communication in mission-critical embedded architectures.
Industrial Networking Applications:
Distributed automation systems rely on reliable Ethernet communication between multiple nodes. RAMIX PMC676TX provides a high-performance interface for industrial networks, remote monitoring systems, and control data exchange.
Related Products
- RAMIX PMC676RCTX – Fiber Ethernet version of the PMC676 family, designed for optical communication applications.
- RAMIX PMC676TX/1 – Single-port Gigabit Ethernet PMC module variant with similar architecture.
- RAMIX PMC669 – Related PMC Gigabit Ethernet controller module within the same product family.
- RAMIX RM676 – Rear transition/fiber Ethernet controller module related to PMC676 architecture.
- Abaco Systems PMC676TX – Successor-supported version of the RAMIX PMC676TX Ethernet controller.
