A few years ago, PICMG released a new version of CompactPCI known as CompactPCI Serial. It provides a ten-fold or so increase in performance, more interconnectivity using fewer pins, and cost effective features including multi-channel Ethernet without the need for a switch. It is already popular in Europe, where it was developed, and its popularity is now moving around the globe.
A new revision of the standardis now in final adoption ballot, Revision 2. It adds incremental features and capabilities, which is typical of revisions to well established standards. It now supports placement of the system slot on either the left or right side of the backplane. More importantly, Revision 2 supports additional rear I/O on the P6 connector and increased capability on Rear Transition Modules (RTMs). Graphics, USB, SATA, and other System Slot connections can now be routed out the rear, which is important for conduction cooling applications where the front module is fully encased. PCI Express can also be routed out the rear, making it possible to easily interconnect multiple homogenous or heterogeneous PCI Express systems.
It should be available for general distribution in May.
