White Papers

StackPC Standard of Embedded Stackable Systems Design

StackPC Standard of Embedded Stackable Systems Design

20.07.2015

The StackPC Specification defines the approach to stackable systems design and development. The specification includes all valuable heritages of PC/104 standards along with the features of StackPC connector***.


***StackPC Expansion Connectors A, B

Connector A

PCIe/104 compatible pinout

BANK 1: 4x PCIe x1, 2x USB, SMB

BANK 2,3: 1x PCIe x4, 2x SATA, LPC, 2xGbE, 4x USB, SPI, CAN/RS485/UART

Connector B

PCI/104 or FPE (Fat Pipe Expansion)

PCI/104: 32-bit PCI 4 masters

FPE: PCIe 1x16/2x8/2x4, Display Port, 6x USB 3.0 or 61x UserIO

PC/104, PC/104+wings, EPIC, EBX, 3.5” Adopted



4 Key Innovations Implemented in StackPC Form-Factor: New system approach, compatibility with other Stackable specifications, COM-type application of StackPC modules and new approach to ruggedize system development.  

1. New system approach

  • Stack Up Only
    • Easy schematic (No signal switches)
    • No strict height limitation for CPU & Power modules, bottom side
    • Interface module as a standard part
  • Compatibility with PCIe/104
  • Communication interfaces support through the stack connector
    • Minimization of wired connections
  • Standardization to System power connector
  • New areas of stackable modules application

2. Ruggedized systems orientation

  • Design
    • IP20, IP65, IP67 enclosures
    • Cost effective conduction cooling
    • Interface module as a standard part
    • Ease of assembly and maintenance
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  • Compatibility with PC/104-Express
    • BANK1 is fully compatible
    • BANK2, 3 has levels of full compatibility
  • Communication interfaces support through the stack connector
    • Minimization of wired connections

3. Compatibility with other Stackable Specifications

  • Compatibility with PCIe/104 and PC/104-Express connectors
  • Compatibility with PCI/104

4. COM application

  • StackPC Host as COM-module
    • One side Stack
    • One side heatspreader
    • COM required interfaces: 4x PCIe x1, 1x PCIe x4, 2x SATA, LPC, 2x GbE, 6x USB, SMB, SPI, CAN/RS485/UART
    • PCI: 32-bit PCI 4 masters
    • FPE: PCIe 1x16/2x8/2x4, DP, 6x USB 3.0 or 61x UserIO
  • StackPC Peripheral as COM-expansion
  • Easy to design StackPC carrier board


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