Super Computers: Passive Backplanes verses Motherboards Circuitry

Industrial computers work in harsh environments and therefore, require a high level of adaptability and shelf life. These super computers should be able to withstand shock, vibration, extreme heat, and dust particles that are characteristically found in industrial environments. 

The circuit connectivity should allow for easy integration of the computer systems in such environments. Passive backplanes can accommodate different input and output- I/O modules from different slots. These planes they have one single chip, which manages all collections of slots and therefore acts as a synchronizer.

Backplanes enable the use of modular components such as single board computers- SBCs, which can allow for easy and fast removal and fitting of components. This means that there is less downtime in assembling or connecting the components. This is essentially beneficial in industrial applications where downtime in systems’ circuit connectivity can lead to huge losses. The passive backplanes offer a cost and time benefit compared to the use of motherboards.

If you are seeking for Peripheral component interconnect PCI parts for attaching hardware devices in the super computers, you need to get components that have high versatility. Some of the reasons why you would require single board computer- SBC backplanes are;
•    To allow for more expansion slots.
•    The need to use ISA slots.
•    The downtime in connectivity and Mean Time to Repair MMTR.

Compared to motherboards, passive backplanes can hold up to 20 slots or even more. Motherboards mainly provide PCI slots and for the plug in I/O, which can only integrate Industrial Standard Architecture- ISA computer bus circuitry; it means that the connectivity will be limited. This is where passive backplanes come in handy since they can provide approximately 20- ISA slots.

In addition, with the single board computer- SBC; it can be removed from a system by just unplugging a cable and removing a screw and pulling the card off. This is very essential in the industrial applications were a high degree of system repair is required. Using a SBC, which is installed in passive backplane helps lowering Mean Time to Repair- MTTR.

Furthermore, SBC backplanes have enhanced shelf life. Last but not least, in case of ISA-only backplanes, the SBC can be installed in any slot whereas the PCI and PCI-Express backplanes, they offer dedicated SBC slots where the SBC should be installed in order to work, otherwise, it will fail to function.