Essentially, an Advanced MC is an attachment to an Advanced TCA board. For those of you who were convinced it was a rapper in Kanye West’s entourage, my apologies. An Advanced MC is a daughterboard, measuring about 3″ in height, which plugs into the board. It is meant to serves as a kind of intermediary between Advanced TCA boards and older communication devices and boards. The Advanced MC to the rescue.

Advanced MCs (also known as Mezzanine Cards), are circuit panels that conform to the PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturer’s Group, known in the industry as PICMG, protocol. PICMG boasts over 100 subscribing businesses that are in compliance with their Advanced TCA and MC boards. This compliance means older devices and systems can be easily incorporated by means of a backplane plug in. This gives new meaning to the term “plug in and go.”

There are approximately 6 different kinds of Advanced Mezzanine Cards. The full sized advanced MC cards modules are considered to be the most generally seen wherein it allows components that is equal to 23mm high. The medium sized advanced MC cards modules let component heights as of a little greater than 11mm to a bit over 14mm, depending upon the position of the panel board. The compacted advanced MC cards are just over 8mm high. To facilitate a one full sized module of advanced MC cards and double compact sized modules, an extraordinary carrier cards are necessary. The card is known as a hybrid or cutaway carrier.

Double-width Advanced MCs do not provide enhanced power or bandwidth, contrary to popular perception. They can, however, permit “hot swapping” given that they are easily interchangeable. Making use of just part of their pin locations results in 4 permutations, allowing the use of a variety of connectors. Hot swap away, my lads.

Advanced MCs thrive where handling functionality is crucial. Several companies have initiated products since last July 2006 (when Advanced MCs went on the market). Advanced MC cards are a bold stride forward with regards to their flexibility and their functionality.