The Macrolink MVC 16-port
Communications Multiplexer is the first VMEbus Async Commux designed for real performance.
Unlike traditional controllers that rely heavily on the host for processing or 68XXX-based
controllers that still can't meet high through-put requirements, the MVC has processing
power to spare thanks to the AMD 29K. The MVC provides outstanding flexibility and one of
the most comprehensive set of features available today-all at a very affordable price. Maximum Performance
At the heart of the MVC is a 16 MIPS AMD 29K RISC processor
combined with an efficient shared memory-128KB to 1MB-and DMA architecture. The RISC
handles all character processing & buffering so driver calls and CPU intervention are
minimized, and data overruns are eliminated. All VME data transfers and bus handshakes are
controlled by a VIC068 VLSI ASIC.
Our design allows all 16 ports to operate at 38.4 KBaud, an
overall throughput well in excess of 61,000 characters per second. That's more than double
the rate of most other VMEbus asynchronous controllers.
The MVC is ideal for applications with large amounts of
high-speed data traffic including graphics, supervisory/robotics and PC-to-host file
transfers as well as interactive terminal communications.
More Lines-More Flexibility
The MVC supports 16 ports on a single double-height VMEbus
module. All lines are independently programmable for speeds up to 38.4 Kbps with split
speed support. Full modem control is available and individually programmable on each line.
All modem signals are available on all lines with no performance penalty.
Our 4-port serial line conditioning modules allow each MVC
controller to handle multiple line disciplines. A single MVC can be configured with any
mix of RS-232, RS-422, RS-423, RS-485 and MIL-STD-188C in 4-line groups. Similarly,
on-board memory is modular and expandable to 1MB. Our approach ensures that the MVC will
handle today's communications requirements and meet your future application needs.
Soft, Adaptable & Easy
The MVC includes advanced features that benefit both the
system integrator and programmer. All the MVC's VMEbus and port parameters are
soft-configured and can be defined on a line-by line basis. The bus address is selectable
with rotary switches located on the front bezel. Once installed, the MVC never needs to be
removed, regardless of how often your application or configuration changes.
Programmable Features
MVC software definable features include:
- Baud rate, Character length, parity and stop bits.
- Transmit/receive line buffer size.
- Host memory DMA buffer size.
- Flow control: XON/XOFF, XOFF/any, EIA (CTS/RTS) or special
characters.
- Control over all modem lines.
- Enabling/disabling modem signals.
- Special handling for user defined characters.
- Special characters for end of transmission or end of buffer
with optional interrupts.
- Send or receive break characters.
- Break character timing.
- Error status data & handling.
- Interrupts and interrupt priority.
- Character-by-character (PIO) or DMA block modes with
scatter/gather support.
- VMEbus interrupt/request level.
- VMEbus address & modifiers.
Quick Installation
We supply software driver kits for UNIX SVR4, SunOS,
Solaris, VxWorks and HP-UX with STREAMS support. All Macrolink drivers feature a menu
driven configuration routine for quick installation. In addition to the MVC's self-test, a
comprehensive on-line diagnostic is also supplied which performs functional tests on the
controller and VMEbus handshakes. All drivers are provided with source code in C.
More extensive host-to controller-to-port testing can be
accomplished with the optional "turn-around" plugs.
Simple Connections
Connection to the MVC is a breeze. The MVC utilizes two
standard 80-pin, high-density, shielded connectors, each accessing 8 ports. The cables
connect to our transition panels featuring either RJ-45 or DB-25 connectors.
The pinouts are compatible with a variety of off-the-shelf
cabling devices, including modular jack "harmonicas" and DB-25 fanout
assemblies.
Macrolink Support
With over 11 years experience in designing and
manufacturing performance oriented communications, mass storage, memory and related
subsystem products, we understand your demand for reliability and support. Our products
are covered by one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. All Macrolink
products are temperature cycled and burned-in to eliminate failures in the field. Computer
testing checks virtually every parameter and aspect of our products. In-house or on-site
training is also available directly from Macrolink.
Check our specifications, then call us for prices. And ask
us about our ship-from-stock emergency exchange and customer training programs. |
MVC EOL Notice 