To keep the space requirements for the installation of MicroTCA systems as small as possible, but without compromising on reliable cooling and system redundancy, Schroff has added a 4 U MicroTCA.0 system to its product portfolio. Thus, customers can select from a complete system range for telecoms applications, with systems in 1U, 3U, 4U, 6U and 8U for horizontal or vertical board mounting.

The basis for the development of the 4U system was the existing 6U system with vertical board mounting, in which 1U at the top of the system and 1U at the bottom were used for ventilation. Since no rear I/O area is defined for MicroTCA.0, it was possible to reduce the system height by positioning the two plug-in ventilation modules in the area behind the backplane.

The depth of the system was accordingly increased to 300mm. The use of two fan modules, each with two fans, also assures redundancy. Both fan modules are monitored and controlled by cooling unit management. The 4U MicroTCA.0 system is equipped with 12 AdvancedMC slots for single mid-size modules, two MCH slots and two power slots for up to 12 HP wide MicroTCA power modules. The backplane is based on dual-star topology, which allows a fully redundant system structure.