3 U for the boards – 1 U for the fans
Schroff is a leading developer and manufacturer of packaging systems for the electronics, automation, IT and communications industries. The standard production program includes cabinets, enclosures, block frames, power supply units, backplanes up to module constructive components for microprocessor systems. Due to a wide variety of intergation components Schroff can offer complete systems Plug + Play for 19“ equipment.

Schroff has developed a new chassis for CompactPCI systems in ICT and automation environments. The continuing miniaturisation of components is such that these applications are mostly now being realised on 3 U high PCBs. The high packing densities are however causing more heat to be created, that can no longer be removed by natural convection alone.

The new CompactPCI system from Schroff is designed to meet these requirements. Fitted with one backplane (CompactPCI rev.3), up to eight 3 U PCBs can be accommodated. The system slot is positioned on the right. CPUs with double width may also be used without any structural modification. There is sufficient space for e.g. hard disk drives to be fitted. Additionally, the rear section includes a space for rear I/O boards.

Customers may opt for one of two types of power supply unit. The 19" PSU with an output capacity of 250 W and rear IEC mains input meets the CompactPCI specification and indeed matches the tolerances given in the specification for limiting values of currents, voltages etc even more closely. This is of particular benefit where multicore processors are present. The 19" PSU is also available in a 48 V version. If the requirements are not so stringent, however, an ATX PSU can be fitted as a low-cost alternative.

Optimal cooling of the system is assured by a hot-swap fan drawer under the board cage that pulls out to the front. This can optionally be upgraded with a filter mat. Depending on the PSU selected, the drawer is fitted with either two or three fans that can be quickly replaced when necessary.