Description
Product Introduction
The Peritek AC7-00712-1113 is a specialized, rugged PCI Mezzanine Card (PMC) graphics display controller designed for high-reliability embedded systems. Manufactured by Peritek (now part of Technobox/Curtiss-Wright), this board interfaces directly onto VMEbus, CompactPCI, or VPX single board computers (SBCs) to offload real-time video generation and frame buffering from the host processor.
Unlike commercial graphics cards, the AC7-00712-1113 is engineered specifically for deterministic performance, extended operating temperature ranges, and long-term legacy support in defense, aerospace, and critical infrastructure control systems. It features dedicated video memory and robust video timing generators capable of driving analog RGB, VGA, or custom sync monitors used in legacy Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and radar/telemetry displays.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | IEEE 1386.1 Single-Width PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card) |
| Bus Interface | 32-bit / 33 MHz PCI Interface (3.3V / 5V tolerant signaling) |
| Graphics Controller Chipset | Dedicated hardware 2D graphics engine |
| Onboard Memory | Dedicated VRAM / Frame Buffer Memory |
| Supported Video Outputs | Analog RGB / VGA (HD-15 or front/rear PMC I/O pinout) |
| Max Display Resolution | Up to 1280×1024 or 1600×1200 depending on pixel clock and mode |
| Supported OS / Drivers | VxWorks, Linux, Windows NT/2000, Solaris, LynxOS |
| I/O Routing | Front Panel Connector and/or Rear I/O via P14 PMC Connector |
| Power Supply Requirements | +5V DC ±5% supplied via PMC backplane pins |
| Operating Temperature | Standard: 0°C to +70°C (Extended temperature options available) |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
When a legacy flight simulator, radar display console, or SCADA terminal goes dark, it is usually caused by a degraded video mezzanine card on a VME or CompactPCI SBC. Sourcing a modern alternative requires recompiling legacy VxWorks code, updating drivers, and recertifying safety-critical software—a nightmare that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and months of downtime. Dropping a tested AC7-00712-1113 replacement card onto the carrier board restores video output immediately, avoiding complex software re-architecting and keeping legacy defense or industrial hardware operational.
- Aerospace & Defense – Driving radar consoles, tactical display units, and legacy avionics test rigs running on VMEbus architectures.
- Power & Nuclear Utilities – Rendering high-reliability HMI mimic panels and alarm telemetry graphics in legacy plant control rooms.
- Process Automation – Providing display outputs for embedded CompactPCI SBCs supervising heavy machinery and rolling mills.
- Medical & Scientific Imaging – Interfacing legacy real-time processing systems to high-resolution monochrome or RGB diagnostic monitors.
AC7-00712-1113
AC7-00712-1113
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We don’t just ship boxes; we test them on actual PMC carrier boards and VME test racks. Every surplus or refurbished AC7-00712-1113 undergoes a strict 5-stage verification process:
- Inbound Physical Inspection: Inspection of PMC connectors (J11, J12, J13, J14), checking for bent pins, solder joint fatigue, thermal stress, or board warpage.
- PMC Carrier Insertion & Power-On Test: Mounted on a functional VME/cPCI SBC carrier card; verified correct PCI enumeration and register detection under 5V/3.3V power rails.
- Video RAM & Graphics Engine Diagnostic: Full memory pattern test (checkerboard/walking bits) executed on onboard VRAM to ensure zero bit-errors in frame buffer memory.
- Active Display Output Benchmark: Driven through multiple screen resolutions and refresh rates under a real-time OS (VxWorks/Linux) to verify video clock stability, color alignment, and sync signals.
- ESD-Safe Packaging & Final QC: Firmware/EPROM revs documented, card cleaned with isopropyl wash if required, and sealed in static-shielding ESD bags with desiccants.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
⚠️ Watch Out for Front vs. Rear I/O Configurations: Peritek PMC boards often come in specific ordering options for routing video signals. Some variants output through the front-panel HD15 connector, while others route video signals through the rear P14 PMC connector to a custom backplane. Ensure the -1113 suffix matches your existing cabling setup before ordering.
❗ PCI VIO Voltage Matching: Double-check your carrier board’s VI/O keying pin (3.3V vs 5V). While most AC7 series cards are dual-voltage tolerant, inserting a PMC card with incompatible keying pegs into a non-keyed carrier can damage the PCI bridge logic.
⚠️ Sync-On-Green vs. Separate Sync: Legacy CRT monitors used in military and process control consoles frequently require Sync-On-Green (SOG) or Composite Sync rather than standard VESA VGA (Separate H/V Sync). Verify your monitor’s sync settings in software or onboard jumper settings.
❗ Standoff & Alignment Caution: Always install mechanical standoffs and tighten PMC mounting screws prior to powering up the host SBC. Operating a PMC board without secure mechanical fastening can lead to intermittent PCI bus contact errors that freeze the host processor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)
Q: Is the Peritek AC7-00712-1113 hot-swappable? A: No. Standard PMC mezzanine boards are NOT hot-swappable. Inserting or removing the AC7-00712-1113 while the host SBC or VME/cPCI crate is powered on will destroy the PCI bus controller and potentially fry the host processor. Always kill main power before handling.
Q: Where can I find display drivers for this legacy card? A: We can provide archived driver packages and BSPs (Board Support Packages) for common legacy operating systems like VxWorks, Linux, and Windows NT/2000 upon request. In most legacy setups, the existing driver built into your OS image will recognize the hardware PCI Vendor/Device ID automatically.
Q: What is the difference between Peritek, Technobox, and Curtiss-Wright for this part? A: Peritek was an independent manufacturer of high-performance display cards before being acquired by Technobox and subsequently integrated into Curtiss-Wright’s embedded system portfolio. Part numbers starting with “AC7-” remain identical across brand transitions.
Q: Can I use this card on a standard desktop PC? A: Only if you use a PCI-to-PMC or PCIe-to-PMC adapter card. PMC is an embedded form factor designed primarily for VME, VXI, CompactPCI, and VPX carrier boards rather than standard PC motherboard slots.
Q: What warranty is included with this New Surplus board? A: All our new surplus and tested refurbished Peritek boards come backed by our full 12-month direct replacement warranty. If you experience any functional issues, we will replace the board or refund your purchase immediately.
Start Chat
