Comparison of VPX, CPCI-e and CPCI

VPX, formerly known as VITA 46, is an ANSI standard (ANSI/VITA 46.0-2007) that provides VMEbus-based systems with support for switched fabrics over a new high speed connector.

Technologies called for in VPX include:

• Both 3U (100mm by 160 mm) and 6U (160mm by 233 mm) formats
• New 7-row high speed connector rated up to 6.25 Gbit/s
• Choice of high speed serial fabrics
• PMC,FMC (VITA 57) and XMC (VITA 42) mezzanines
• Hybrid backplanes to accommodate VME64, VXS and VPX boards

CPCI or cPCI is an abbreviation of CompactPCI. A CompactPCI system is a 3U or 6U Eurocard-based industrial computer, where all boards are connected via a passive PCI backplane.

Defined for both 3U (100mm by 160 mm) and 6U (160mm by 233 mm) card sizes, CompactPCI has the following features:

• Standard Eurocard Dimensions (complies with IEEE 1101.1 mechanical standards)
• High Density 2mm Pin-and-Socket Connectors IEC approved and Bellcore qualified)
• Vertical Card Orientation for good cooling
• Positive Card Retention
• Excellent Shock and Vibration Characteristics
• Metal Front Panel
• User I/O Connections on Front or Rear of module
• Standard Chassis available from many Suppliers
• Uses Standard PCI Silicon Manufactured in Large Volumes
• Staged Power Pins for Hot Swap Capability (Future)
• Eight Slots in Basic Configuration. Easily expanded with Bridge Chips

CPCI-e is an abbreviation of CompactPCI express. CompactPCIe utilizes many of the same features as legacy CompactPCI, but changes the PCI bus for the new PCIe bus.