The RadiSys EPC-6 is a VMEbus controller built around an Intel 80386SX processor for embedded and industrial applications requiring high-speed VMEbus integration. This module operates as a full VMEbus master and slave device, with the ability to serve as the slot-1 system controller, managing bus arbitration, clock distribution, timeout detection, and interrupt sequencing. The EPC-6 maps dual-port DRAM onto the VMEbus for shared memory access and functions as both an interrupter and interrupt handler within the backplane.
Integrated PC-compatible architecture includes a BIOS ROM and ROM-resident Microsoft MS-DOS, enabling standalone operation or terminal interaction via RS-232. Non-volatile flash memory provides a DOS-compatible solid-state disk and file system. An EXM expansion slot allows customized I/O configuration for application-specific requirements. The board includes status indicators (RUN and SYSFAIL LEDs) and a reset switch with software-controllable reset assertion via register bits.
Technical Specifications
• Processor: Intel 80386SX
• System Clock: 16 MHz SYSCLK (when configured as system controller)
• Memory: Dual-port DRAM (VMEbus-mappable) and non-volatile flash memory
• ROM: PC-compatible BIOS and ROM-based Microsoft MS-DOS
• VMEbus Functions: Master accesses, slave (dual-port DRAM mapping), slot-1 system controller, interrupter and interrupt handler
• System Controller Features: Bus arbiter (priority or round-robin selectable), SYSCLK generation, IACK daisy-chain initiation, bus timeout detection and termination, SYSRESET assertion at power-on
• Address Modifiers: Drives AM4, AM2, AM1; AM5 and AM3 generated as ‘1’ by hardware
– Key Features
• Slot-1 system controller capability with full bus arbitration and timeout management
• Dual-port DRAM accessible as VMEbus slave memory
• Flash memory supported as DOS-compatible file system and solid-state disk
• RS-232 serial interface for terminal control of ROM DOS
• PC-compatible keyboard interface
• Four on-board status LEDs (RUN and SYSFAIL)
• Hardware reset switch with software-controllable VMEbus SYSRESET assertion
• EXM module expansion slot for I/O customization
– Typical Applications
• VMEbus system controllers for embedded environments
• Industrial real-time control systems requiring backplane integration
• Standalone computational modules with non-volatile storage
• Systems requiring local DRAM sharing across the VMEbus
– Compatibility & Integration
The EPC-6 operates as a standard VMEbus master/slave with full system controller support, integrating PC-compatible software architecture (BIOS, MS-DOS) for rapid development and integration. The module communicates via standard RS-232 terminals and supports EXM module expansion for application-specific I/O requirements.
