Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | TEWS Technologies |
| Model | TPMC871-50 |
| Product Type | PMC PC Card Interface Module |
| PMC Standard | IEEE P1386.1 |
| PCI Interface | PCI 2.1 compliant |
| PMC Width | Single-width PMC module |
| Data Width | 32-bit |
| Board Dimensions | 149 mm × 74 mm |
| PC Card Slots | 1 × PC Card socket |
| Supported Card Types | Type I and Type II PC Cards |
| Supported Standards | PCMCIA 2.1 / JEIDA 4.2 |
| CardBus Support | 32-bit CardBus cards |
| Hot Swap Capability | Supported PC Card hot insertion/removal |
| PC Card Controller | Intel 82365-compatible register architecture |
| Power Supply | PMC +5 V / +3.3 V supply |
| PC Card Voltage Support | 3.3 V / 5 V card power, 3.3 V / 5 V / 12 V programming voltage |
| Memory Windows | Up to 5 memory windows for PC Card 16 access |
| I/O Windows | Up to 2 I/O windows for PC Card 16 access |
| CardBus Windows | 2 memory windows and 2 I/O windows |
| Front Panel | PMC front panel with PC Card access |
| Operating System Support | Windows, Linux, VxWorks support available |
| Application | Embedded computing, industrial control, test systems |
Product Introduction
TEWS TPMC871-50 Overview
The TEWS TPMC871-50 is a single-width PMC expansion module designed to provide PC Card and CardBus connectivity for embedded computing platforms. It allows systems equipped with a PMC slot to use commercially available PCMCIA memory cards and I/O cards, extending storage, communication, and interface capabilities without redesigning the host computer architecture.
The TEWS TPMC871-50 integrates a PC Card controller and power management unit on a standard 32-bit PMC interface. The module communicates with the host processor through a PCI 2.1-compatible interface and provides an Intel 82365-compatible register structure for PC Card management. This design allows software environments to access PC Card resources using familiar PCMCIA control methods.
The TEWS TPMC871-50 supports both memory and I/O PC Cards, making it suitable for embedded systems requiring removable storage, legacy communication interfaces, or specialized PC Card peripherals. The module includes power management functions for PC Card voltage requirements and provides protection against short circuit and thermal overload conditions.
The TEWS TPMC871-50 is commonly used in VME-based computers, industrial embedded controllers, automated test equipment, and long-life computing platforms where legacy expansion compatibility remains important. When replacing this module, engineers should verify PMC slot compatibility, host PCI configuration, operating system drivers, and the specific PC Card device being installed.
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls (The Engineer’s Perspective)
Engineering Pain Point
A legacy embedded controller requires additional storage, communication, or specialized PC Card functionality, but the original expansion hardware is no longer available. The PMC interface module becomes part of the replacement strategy.
Before installation, check:
- PMC slot voltage compatibility
- PCI bus configuration
- Operating system driver support
- PC Card electrical requirements
- Host processor board compatibility
The provides the expansion interface, but successful operation depends on the host platform, software environment, and installed PC Card hardware.
Typical Applications
VME Embedded Systems
Used for:
- VME single-board computers
- Industrial computing platforms
- Legacy control systems
Automated Test Equipment
Applied for:
- Data storage expansion
- Measurement interface cards
- Portable configuration modules
Industrial Control Computers
Used in:
- Process monitoring systems
- Machine control platforms
- Embedded automation equipment
Communication Systems
Applied for:
- PC Card communication adapters
- Legacy network interfaces
- Field service configuration tools
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
1. Verify PMC Host Compatibility
Before replacement, confirm:
- PMC mechanical dimensions
- PCI signaling voltage
- Host board PMC implementation
- Front panel clearance
A physically compatible PMC slot does not always guarantee electrical compatibility.
2. Confirm PC Card Requirements
Check:
- Card type (Type I or Type II)
- Memory versus I/O function
- CardBus requirement
- Voltage requirements
Different PC Cards may require different power and software support.
3. Verify Driver Availability
Review:
- Operating system version
- TEWS driver package
- Application software dependency
- VxWorks BSP compatibility
The hardware interface alone does not provide application-level functionality.
4. Inspect Power Loading
Verify:
- PMC power availability
- PC Card current demand
- Thermal conditions inside the chassis
The PC Card power management circuit includes protection functions, but system-level power design remains important.
Related Products
- variant with PC Card accessible through the front panel.
- variant with PC Card not accessible through the front panel.
- RoHS-compliant version of the .
- TEWS PMC Series Modules
PMC-based embedded I/O and communication expansion modules for industrial computing platforms. - Motorola MVME Series VME Computers
Common host platforms where PMC expansion modules are installed.
