Press Release

New M-Module™ with 16-bit analog inputs

• 16 or 18 bit
• Up to 16 current or voltage inputs
• Configurable FPGA with Nios soft core
• Electrical isolation (500 V)
• Up to -40/+85°C operating temperature

Nuremberg, October 24, 2007: With the new M-Module M36N MEN Micro prove their long experience with complex analog technology and now present an input board for high speed, resolution and precision requirements in automation, measuring and simulation applications. The M-Module is used in CompactPCI, PCI, PXI or VME systems as well as in embedded single board computers.

Especially in the area of industrial I/O, M-Modules have for many years constantly been successful with their manifold functions for process data acquisition, motion and robotics or instrumentation.

In order to comply with the RoHS directive (effective since July 1, 2006) all M-Modules have either been adapted or redesigned and equipped with new interesting features – like the new M36N which will now be available for at least 10 more years.

Precise data acquisition with high resolution

The analog input module M36N provides 16 single-pole grounded channels for voltage or current or alternatively 8 channels for differential voltage or current. Each channel and each input range is adjusted separately and fully automatically. The resolution is 16 bit with an accuracy of at least 0.05% over the whole temperature range from -40°C to +85°C. Thanks to a fast A/D converter and automatic incrementation of the multiplexer channel the total acquisition time is only 130µs for 16 bit.

The Cyclone II FPGA implemented on the M36N controls the signal conditioning and in addition offers space for application-specific function extensions of the assembly. What is more, the Altera Nios II Softcore processor can be implemented into the FPGA for intelligent pre-data-processing or additional functions like noise-shaping. For doing this it is possible to assemble up to 32 MB DDR2 DRAM as well as up to 6MB non-volatile memory.

The separate supply voltages can be generated via a DC/DC converter on the board which is also suited for the extended temperature range from -40 up to +85°C.

M-Modules

M-Modules, first presented in 1988 and ANSI-standardized since 1997, are flexible, modular I/O extensions for industrial bus systems (CompactPCI, PXI, VME etc.) and for busless single-board computers. A carrier board in double Eurocard format can accommodate up to four M-Modules. MEN Mikro Elektronik alone has developed more than 100 different M-Modules so far.

MEN Mikro Elektronik – Mission and Profile

Our mission is to provide embedded computing and I/O solutions for demanding industrial applications while maximizing innovation, reliability and flexibility.

Our aim is to constantly improve and to provide the highest technology and innovation level, a most complete product offer and outstanding custom development and environmental qualification services according to industry standards.

Our business ethics in the daily conduct with customers, partners and employees is determined by the ten principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption of the UN Global Compact Initiative.

MEN Mikro Elektronik develops and produces standard and custom board-level solutions qualified for highly reliable operation in industrial embedded applications and harsh environments.

The standard product range contains far more than 100 different standard computer boards and systems with corresponding BIOS, BSP and driver software based on different PowerPC and Pentium platforms:

• ESM – Embedded System Modules
• PCI-104 Modules
• 6U and 3U VMEbus and CompactPCI/PXI
• M-Modules – industrial mezzanine I/O standard for all platforms
• PC-MIP and PMC – PCI-based mezzanine standards for computer I/O

The products are used as control, measuring, test or simulation computers in transportation (railways, ships, busses, commercial vehicles), automotive industry, mechanical engineering and aerospace technology, medical industry, military engineering and telecommunications.

Founded in 1982 in Nuremberg, MEN has more than 180 employees. Export has a share of about 50% of the globally active company with subsidiaries in France and the USA.

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In addition, press documents may contain statements that are forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations as of the date of a particular release. Actual results may differ materially from those projected because of a number of risks and uncertainties.