Elma’s E-Frame Open Access Chassis for 3U Backplanes

Back in April 2008 we reported on the E-Frame chassis developed by Elma Electronic (News - Alert) (www.elma.com) of Fremont, California. It’s an open frame chassis for test/debugging purposes.

Elma has now announced a new 3U version of its E-frame chassis line. Previously available in heights for 6U (10.5-inch) high backplanes, it now accommodates 3U (5.75-inch) heights. There are no side or back walls around the card cage area, providing easy access for test and development. The E-frame was designed for the high power and cooling requirements of VPX (VITA 46/48) systems. However, any backplane architectures in a 3U height can be used, including VME and CompactPCI (News - Alert).

The total height of the portable, aluminum, black-coated power finish E-frame is approximately 9U (15.75 inches), with a carrying handle on top. The E-frame tower supports up to 21 slots at .8-inch or 17 slots at 1-inch pitch. There are front accessible test points and monitoring LEDs for +3.3V, +/-5V, +/- 12V, +/- 24V, and +/- 48VDC. The E-frame features high performance cooling with 3 x 150 CFM fans under the card cage. The fans are speed controlled with fan fail indication. A system monitor with remote monitoring via Ethernet capability is optional. It also has a Rear A/C PEM (Power Entry Module) with fuses, GND Stud, Front located ESD jacks. The unit also offers full RTM (Rear Transition Module) support. IT

Richard Grigonis is Executive Editor of TMC (News - Alert)’s IP Communications Group. To see more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

» Internet Telephony Magazine Table of Contents