Description

The FORCE CPCI-680 is a high-performance, rugged 3U CompactPCI (PICMG 2.0/2.1 compliant) single-board computer (SBC) designed for demanding embedded applications in defense, aerospace, industrial automation, and transportation. Built around an Intel Core i7 processor (typically 2nd or 3rd generation Sandy Bridge/Ivy Bridge), it delivers desktop-class computing power in a conduction-cooled, shock/vibration-resistant form factor ideal for harsh environments.

Engineered by Force Computers (now part of Kontron following acquisition), the CPCI-680 supports both air-cooled and conduction-cooled variants, with the latter enabling operation in sealed enclosures or extreme temperatures (–40°C to +85°C). It features a rich I/O suite—including dual Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0/2.0, SATA, serial ports, and integrated HD graphics—while maintaining full compatibility with legacy CompactPCI backplanes and chassis.

A key strength of the CPCI-680 is its PMC/XMC site, allowing users to add specialized I/O such as MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, CAN bus, FPGA accelerators, or A/D converters—making it highly adaptable for radar, EW, flight control, rail signaling, and test equipment. With support for ECC memory, secure boot, and real-time operating systems (e.g., VxWorks, Linux RT, Windows Embedded), the FORCE CPCI-680 remains a go-to platform for long-life, mission-critical deployments.

Technical Specifications

Main Features and Advantages

Ruggedized for extreme environments:
The conduction-cooled CPCI-680 operates without fans—ideal for dusty, high-altitude, or vacuum-sealed applications like UAVs, naval systems, or underground mining equipment.

PMC/XMC flexibility:
Add domain-specific I/O (e.g., MIL-STD-1553 for aircraft, ARINC 429 for avionics, or high-speed A/D for SIGINT) via industry-standard mezzanine cards—extending functionality without redesign.

Long-term availability & lifecycle support:
FORCE/Kontron offers extended manufacturing and obsolescence management—critical for programs with 10–20 year lifecycles (e.g., military platforms).

Real-time performance:
With low-latency interrupt handling and deterministic PCIe timing, the CPCI-680 supports hard real-time control loops and high-speed data acquisition.

Application Field

The FORCE CPCI-680 excels in applications requiring rugged, high-performance embedded computing:

• Defense & Aerospace: Mission computers, radar signal processors, electronic warfare (EW) systems, and UAV ground control stations.

• Avionics: Flight management, cockpit display rendering, and health monitoring systems (often paired with ARINC 429 PMC cards).

• Rail & Transportation: Train control (ETCS/ATP), wayside monitoring, and passenger information systems (EN 50155 compliant variants).

• Industrial Test & Measurement: Automated test equipment (ATE), semiconductor handlers, and high-speed data loggers.

• Energy & Utilities: Substation automation (IEC 61850), oil/gas SCADA edge controllers in remote Arctic or desert sites.

Its blend of commercial performance and military-grade reliability makes it a bridge between IT and OT in critical infrastructure.

FORCE CPCI-680

Related Products

• FORCE CPCI-690: Successor with6th/7th Gen Intel Core (Skylake/Kaby Lake), higher TDP, more PCIe lanes

• Kontron CP308 / CP309: Modern 3U CompactPCI SBCs with similar ruggedization

• GE Fanuc SBC340 / SBC350: Competitive 3U CompactPCI boards (now part of ADLINK)

• Abaco Systems PPC113: PowerPC-based alternative for legacy VME/CompactPCI migration

• PMC-1553 / XMC-ARINC429: Common mezzanine cards used withCPCI-680 for aerospace I/O

• CompactPCI Chassis (e.g., FORCE CPC-3000): 6U carrier for 3U SBCs with power and cooling