IPE architecture 2-5
Meridian SuperNode MSL-100 Intelligent Peripheral Equipment (IPE) Reference Manual MSL14
Controller cards
The IPE controller card, or XPEC (NT7D07AC), is a single pack that consists
of a mother board and a daughter board. The card resides in the IPE shelf and
serves up to 16 peripheral cards.
The enhanced IPE controller card, or EXPEC (NT7D07BA), was introduced
in MSL11. It is a single pack that consists of a single board with a dual slot
faceplate to disallow connection to the corresponding slot, which is not used
on the MSL-100. The EXPEC provides enhanced capabilities compared with
the XPEC. The new EXPEC includes the following components:
•
a new processor called a Micro Processing Unit (MPU) within the
controller
•
an increase in RAM to 8 megabytes (Mb)
•
communication with the EXPEC through an Ethernet port
•
support 4Mb of FLASH memory
•
support 256 kilobytes (Kb) of SRAM
The EXPEC controller card gives the customer's system added value by
allowing the IPE system to remain in an INSV (inservice) condition while
transferring the software into the FLASH memory. Booting the system from
FLASH by performing a Bsy PM, RTS PM FLASH will momentarily take the
IPE out of service to activate the new software. This service allows more
flexibility in the schedule for upgrading system software, resulting in less
down-time. In addition, the IPE hardware can be connected to an enterprise
data network through the ethernet connection maintained by the MC68360
MPU, making software upgrades through the data network quicker and more
convenient. Finally, the increase in DRAM, coupled with IPE version
checking and an upgraded operating system, allows for a more refined and
robust set of features for the IPE.
All network interfaces are handled through the Line Trunk Controller (LTC),
Line Group Controller (LGC), Remote Cluster Controller (RCC) and Remote
Cluster Controller 2 (RCC2). The controller card receives messages from the
host XPM (Line Trunk Controller, Line Group Controller, or Remote Cluster
Controller), peripheral line cards, and terminating devices (such as sets).
The IPE has an additional function as a central controller for the CARD-LAN
bus, which is internal to each IPE module. The CARD-LAN bus is a serial bus
on the IPE backplane used to communicate with the line cards. The serial bus
provides a path where maintenance and control messages, other than Pulse
Code Modulated (PCM) voice and data, can travel.
Note: The NT7D07AC controller card will be manufacture discontinued in
December, 2000. It will still be maintained in the MSL11 release.
