Description
TEWS TPMC917 Product Description
Product Overview
TEWS TPMC917 is a high-performance PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card) industrial communication and memory expansion module designed for embedded computing and industrial control applications. Developed by TEWS Technologies, TEWS TPMC917 combines non-volatile SRAM memory with battery backup functionality and optional multi-channel RS-232 serial communication capability, providing reliable data storage and flexible serial connectivity for mission-critical embedded systems. The module is designed according to the IEEE P1386.1 PMC standard and supports integration into industrial computer platforms, CompactPCI systems, VME-based embedded systems, and other high-reliability computing architectures.
The TEWS TPMC917 provides 4 MByte NV-SRAM with onboard lithium battery backup, ensuring that important configuration data, parameters, event logs, and operational information remain preserved even during power interruptions. The TEWS TPMC917-10 variant additionally integrates four independent RS-232 asynchronous serial channels with ESD protection, making it suitable for communication with industrial instruments, controllers, sensors, and legacy serial devices.
Designed for demanding industrial and embedded applications, TEWS TPMC917 offers high reliability, compact form factor, and long-term data retention capability. It is widely used in automation systems, transportation equipment, test and measurement platforms, defense-related electronics, industrial computers, and specialized control systems where dependable memory storage and serial communication are required.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | TPMC917 |
| Manufacturer | TEWS Technologies GmbH |
| Product Type | PMC Memory and Serial Communication Module |
| Module Standard | Single-width 32-bit PMC Module |
| Bus Interface | PCI 2.1 compliant PMC interface |
| Form Factor | IEEE P1386.1 PMC |
| Board Dimensions | 149 mm × 74 mm |
| Memory Type | Non-Volatile SRAM (NV-SRAM) |
| Memory Capacity | 4 MByte (TPMC917-10/20) / 2 MByte (TPMC917-21) |
| Memory Backup | Onboard lithium battery backup |
| Serial Interface | 4-channel RS-232 (TPMC917-10) |
| UART Controller | 16C654 quad UART |
| Maximum Baud Rate | Up to 115.2 kbaud |
| Transmit FIFO | 64 bytes per channel |
| Receive FIFO | 64 bytes per channel |
| ESD Protection | Up to ±15 kV (RS-232 channels) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C |
| Power Supply | 3.3 V / 5 V PCI signaling environment |
Main Features and Advantages
Reliable non-volatile data storage:
The key feature of TEWS TPMC917 is its integrated battery-backed NV-SRAM architecture. Unlike standard volatile memory, the module maintains stored information during power failures, making it highly suitable for applications where data integrity and rapid system recovery are essential. Configuration parameters, operational records, and critical control information can be preserved without requiring external storage devices.
TPMC917
Flexible serial communication capability:
The TEWS TPMC917-10 version provides four independent RS-232 communication channels, allowing embedded systems to connect with multiple external devices simultaneously. Each serial channel includes FIFO buffering and programmable baud rate control, improving communication efficiency and reducing processor workload.
Industrial-grade reliability:
TEWS TPMC917 is designed for continuous operation in industrial computing environments. The module uses robust electronic design methods and reliable memory management technology to support applications where system availability and long service life are important considerations.
Standard PMC architecture:
Based on the widely adopted PMC interface standard, TEWS TPMC917 can be easily integrated into compatible embedded computer platforms. Its compact single-width design helps system designers save valuable installation space while expanding memory and communication capabilities.
Enhanced data protection:
The onboard battery monitoring system of TEWS TPMC917 continuously supervises battery status and can generate an interrupt signal when battery voltage becomes insufficient. This allows preventive maintenance before data retention capability is affected.
Broad software support:
TEWS TPMC917 supports multiple operating environments through dedicated software packages, allowing integration into different embedded operating systems and industrial computing applications.
Application Areas
TEWS TPMC917 is widely applied in embedded industrial systems that require reliable memory retention and communication expansion. Its combination of NV-SRAM storage and optional serial interfaces makes it suitable for applications where data preservation and external device communication are critical.
In industrial automation systems, TEWS TPMC917 can be used in embedded controllers, industrial PCs, and specialized automation equipment to store machine parameters, system configurations, and operational history. The battery-backed memory helps maintain important information during unexpected power interruptions.
In transportation and infrastructure systems, TEWS TPMC917 provides reliable data storage and serial communication functions for monitoring equipment, control terminals, and embedded computing platforms. Its compact PMC design allows integration into space-limited industrial computers.
In test and measurement applications, TEWS TPMC917 supports communication with laboratory instruments, measurement devices, and data acquisition equipment through RS-232 interfaces. The module enables reliable storage of calibration information and measurement parameters.
In defense, aerospace, and high-reliability electronic systems, TEWS TPMC917 offers dependable memory retention and robust communication capabilities for specialized embedded platforms. Its industrial design makes it suitable for applications requiring long operational life and stable performance.
For legacy embedded systems, TEWS TPMC917 remains a valuable expansion solution, allowing users to maintain existing architectures while improving memory reliability and communication capability.
Related Products
- TEWS TPMC917-10: Full-feature version of TPMC917 with 4 MByte NV-SRAM and four RS-232 communication channels.
- TEWS TPMC917-20: Memory-only version of TPMC917 with 4 MByte NV-SRAM and no serial interfaces.
- TEWS TPMC917-21: Reduced-memory version providing 2 MByte NV-SRAM without RS-232 channels.
- TEWS TPMC937 Series: Related PMC memory modules with different memory configurations.
- TEWS TPMC911 Series: Industrial PMC communication modules for embedded applications.
- TEWS TPMC901 Series: PMC interface modules used in industrial computing systems.
- Motorola MVME5500: Embedded single-board computer platform commonly associated with PMC expansion modules.
- Emerson Embedded Computing PMC Platforms: Industrial computer systems supporting PMC modules such as TPMC917.
