Technical Specifications
Product Model: VMIPCI-5565
Configuration/Kit Number: 110000
Manufacturer: GE Intelligent Platforms (formerly VMIC)
Product Type: Reflective Memory Network Interface Card
Host Interface: PCI Express x4 (Gen 1 or Gen 2)
Network Interface: Fiber Channel or proprietary fiber interface
Transmission Rate: 1.0625 Gbps (often referred to as 1 Gbps)
Transmission Medium: Fiber (supports multimode fiber (MMF) and/or single-mode fiber (SMF), depending on the transceiver module)
Network Topology: Typically supports star or ring topologies.
Maximum Number of Nodes: Supports up to 256 nodes connected to the same Reflective Memory network.
Shared Memory Capacity: Onboard 128 MB SDRAM (configurable as shared memory space).
Data Transfer Latency: Microseconds (typically in the 1-10 microsecond range, depending on network size and traffic).
Data Consistency: Provides a strong consistency model, ensuring all nodes see the same view of data.
OS Support: Supports a variety of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and general-purpose operating systems, such as:
Windows (XP, 7, 10, Server)
Linux (various distributions)
VxWorks
Integrity
Solaris
Drivers and APIs: Provides standard drivers and APIs (such as the VMI API) to facilitate application development.
LED Indicators: Display link status, activity, errors, etc.
Mounting Method: Inserts into a computer’s PCI Express x4 (or higher) slot.
Operating Temperature: Commercial grade (0°C to +55°C) or industrial grade (subject to confirmation).
Standards Compliant: IEEE 1394 (partial technical foundation), proprietary protocol.
Product Overview
Hey guys, the VMIPCI-5565 we’re talking about today isn’t just any network card. It’s a “black art” network interface card designed for real-time simulation, testing, and high-performance computing—a reflective memory network interface card.
Imagine you have multiple computers (for example, a simulation computer, a control computer, and a monitoring computer) that need to share large amounts of data (such as sensor data, control instructions, and status information) with extremely low latency and high determinism. Traditional Ethernet (even Gigabit Ethernet) has too high a latency (in the millisecond range) and is subject to uncertainty (due to network congestion), making it inadequate for these requirements.
Reflective memory technology was developed to address this problem. Its core principle is this: every node (computer) in the network has a card like the VMIPCI-5565. These cards are connected via fiber optic cables to form a dedicated network. When you write data to a specific address on one computer’s reflective memory card, that card immediately “broadcasts” the write operation to all other cards in the network. Upon receiving the data, the other cards automatically and transparently write the same data to the same address in their own onboard memory.
This process occurs almost instantaneously, with latency measured in microseconds. As a result, the data at a specific address in the memory of all computers is “reflected” with the latest value, as if they were sharing the same physical memory. Applications can exchange data across computers in real time simply by reading or writing to local memory, eliminating the need for complex network programming.
The VMIPCI-5565 connects to computers at high speed via a PCI Express x4 interface, using 1 Gbps fiber for network transmission and supporting up to 256 nodes. The number 110000 may represent a complete network suite consisting of multiple cards and cables.
It is widely used in scenarios requiring extremely high real-time performance and is ideal for building systems such as hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations, flight simulators, radar systems, and distributed test benches.
Key Features and Benefits
The VMIPCI-5565 is the ultimate weapon for communication between real-time systems.
Ultra-low latency: Data transmission in the microsecond range far exceeds traditional networks.
High determinism: Predictable transmission times and no network congestion.
Ease of Use: Applications communicate by reading and writing memory, making programming simple.
High Bandwidth: 1 Gbps speed, capable of transmitting large amounts of data.
Multi-Node Support: Supports large-scale distributed systems.
Transparency: Transparent to the operating system and applications.
Application Areas
Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulation: Connects real-time simulators and ECUs under test.
Flight/Driving Simulators: Connects vision systems, motion platforms, and host simulators.
Test and Measurement: Distributed data acquisition and test systems.
Military and Aerospace: Radar, sonar, and command and control systems.
Industrial Automation: High performance, multi-controller collaboration.
Scientific Research: Particle accelerators and astronomical observation arrays.
Selection Guide/Purchasing Recommendations
When purchasing the VMIPCI-5565-110000, consider the following:
Confirm the interface: Ensure your computer has an available PCI Express x4 or higher slot.
Confirm the operating system: Check whether GE provides drivers and APIs for your operating system (such as a specific version of Linux or VxWorks).
Understanding the kit: 110000 may be a kit number. When purchasing, be sure to clarify whether it is a single card or multiple cards, and whether fiber optic cables and transceivers are included.
Network Planning: Design a network topology (a star topology is generally more reliable), and calculate the number of nodes and bus load.
Purchasing Channels: GE Intelligent Platforms products may be discontinued or inherited and supported by other companies (such as Abaco Systems, now part of Mercury Systems). Purchase from a professional industrial automation or embedded system spare parts supplier. Products may be used or refurbished, so pay attention to their source and testing.
Technical Support: Obtaining relevant technical documentation, drivers, and development support can be challenging, so plan ahead.
Related Products
Abaco Systems (Mercury Systems) Products: GE Intelligent Platforms’ embedded business is now part of Abaco Systems.
VMIC/GE VME/VXI Bus Products: Other bus products under the same brand.
Fiber Optic Cables (Multimode/Single-mode): Used to connect the Reflective Memory card.
SFP/SFP+ Transceivers: Fiber optic transceiver modules (if the card uses pluggable modules).
Reflective Memory Network Hubs: Fiber optic hubs for star topologies.
Real-Time Simulation Systems (e.g., dSPACE, NI VeriStand, OPAL-RT): Simulation platforms that may integrate or be compatible with Reflective Memory.
High-Performance PCs/Servers: Hosts where the card is installed.
PCI Express Riser Cables/Adapters: For specialized chassis installations.
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