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NEW PRODUCT NEWS—edited by Harv Weiner

Real-time Networking System

The SCRAMNet+ SC78 series is a deterministic real-time alternative to Ethernet networks. SCRAMNet SC78 boards provide 3.4-MBps throughput, comparable to standard IP-based networks, but with lower application-to-application latencies and greater network determinism. SC78 networks incur node latencies, measured in nanoseconds rather than milliseconds, with far more predictability. The result is a network that communicates data within a few microseconds rather than many milliseconds, with no data collisions.

The SCRAMNet Network is based upon a replicated-shared memory concept, where each network interface card (NIC) stores its own copy of the networkęs shared memory set. When any NIC makes changes to its local copy of shared memory, the network updates all other nodes on the network automatically. No real-time drivers are needed, and there are no time-consuming software routines needed to pack, queue, transmit, dequeue, and unpack messages because network communication is controlled at the hardware level.

SC78 series boards are supplied with intuitive API software, making the network simple to install and easy to program. Once all network nodes are properly configured, no additional software is required to make the network operate as a real-time link. There are no bulky IP drivers to write, greatly reducing development time and cost.

SC78 Series NICs are based on proven SCRAMNet+ technology, but they are designed with a new hardware architecture that supports a single fiber optic connection over distances up to 300 m. Currently interfaces are available in the PCI short card form factor, featuring 1 MB of onboard shared memory and an embedded fiber optic media interface.

Systran Corporation
(937) 252-5601
Fax: (937) 258-2729
www.systran.com

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