industry pack (computer on module) (IP)
The acronym" IP" in this context stands for Industry Pack; a small mezzanine plug-on module for carrier boards such as those used in industrial computers. The IP module is available in single size of 45.7 mm x 99.1 mm and in double size of 91.4 mm x 99.1 mm. The height of the components on the IP board may be 7.4 mm.
The module, standardized by the VITA Standards Organization(VSO), has two 50- pin connectors: one for connection to the carrier board, the second as an I/O connection for external peripherals via the carrier board.
Four IP modules in single size and two in double size can be plugged onto a carrier board with 6 height units (6U). Theoretically, even six IP modules could be accommodated, but this is not practical. I/O connections are made through the carrier board.
IP modules operate with a simple processor bus that characterizes I/O traffic, interrupt handling, and data traffic to memory. There is no arbitration for the processor bus. The IP module operates as a passive module or as a slave module with a relatively low interface power and is primarily used as a simple I/O extension.