IPMI controller based on dedicated microcontroller for ATCA carrier board

The Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATCA) specification allows to meet the newest trends in high speed communication technologies. Furthermore, it provides manageability, availability and exceptional reliability at 99.999% level. Therefore, this architecture is perfect to use in control systems of complex projects like the Free-Electron Laser in Hamburg (FLASH) or the X-ray Free Electron Laser (X-FEL) that work with high-frequency signal processing, use high-speed communication protocols such as PCIe, Gigabit Ethernet or RocketIO and require continuous stable operation. Modular construction allows for flexible system configuration. What is worth emphasizing, in contrast to previous solutions like, VME (Versa Module Eurocard), it is possible to change the system configuration without the need for power shutdown. Hot-plug functionality is delivered by Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) system. For this reason, all ATCA units, which can be replaced in the field should have Intelligent Platform Management Controller (IPMC) that provides IPMI functionality. The IPMC is responsible for management and control of module on which it is placed. Due to the fact that the IPMC operates independently of another components, it allows to activation and deactivation other functional blocks of the module. For this purpose if has to communicate with the Shelf Manager according to IPMI standard. The IPMC monitors also vital operational parameters such as temperature, voltage, current and reports all abnormalities to the Shelf Manager. This paper presents the IPMC for ATCA Carrier Board with three AMC Bays. All IPMC functionalities required by ATCA specification are in this case fulfilled by microcontroller dedicated for IPMI management in xTCA systems.