Draft 0.2

Opening, Introductions, Minutes Approval

Dick Somes, VSO Chair, was unable to attend the meeting. Bob Downing, VSO Vice-Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. Members were asked to introduce themselves. The minutes from the September meeting were accepted as written.

The agenda was reviewed and several changes were made to allow for additional discussion and to accomindate presenters travel schedules.

Several attendees asked for and were granted voting rights for the meeting.

Call for Patent Disclosures

Bob repeated VSO's patent policy and asked for the disclosure of patents. No patents were disclosed.

John Rynearson, VITA, noted that a question regarding patent #5,388,231 and the 2eVME protocol was raised at the last meeting . John stated that he and several other individuals familiar with 2eVME had reviewed the patent and felt that 2eVME did not infringe upon said patent. John noted that this opinion was presented for members information only. John urged any members who were concerned about possible conflicts between this patent and 2eVME to consult with appropriate legal counsel.

General Announcements

John presented an amendment to the VSO Policies and Procedures for members consideration. The amendment concerns the method of changing VSO Policies and Procedures and will be voted upon at the next VSO meeting in January. See attachment.

VITA Congress Report, John Rynearson

John Rynearson reported on the VITA Europe Congress held in Brussels during the first part of October. The Congress provides an opportunity for both US and European VITA members to review the latest trends in open technology solutions. GGH Marketing which provides VITA representation in Europe sponsored a products exhibition including both VME and fieldbus products. Chris Parkman, CERN, chaired the Technical Program Committee which organized the technical conference. Some 60 plus papers were given on a wide range of topics.

Canvass Ballot Report, John Rynearson

John Rynearson noted that three draft standards are in the ANSI process. VITA 4.1 IP Module Pin Assignments and VITA 6.1 SCSA Extensions are in pre ballot solicitation. VITA 12 M-Modules has gone through a second round of preballot solicitation to eliminate dominance in the manufactures group. As soon as a reasonable ballot list is compiled these draft standards will be moved to ballot. John expects this to occur within several weeks.

VME2000 Simulation Report, Wayne Fischer, FORCEs

Wayne stated the results from the first two phases of the simulation indicated that a resister in parallel with an inductor can be used to achieve a risetime of 4 ns when used with ETL drivers. The slower risetimes reduce noise and provide a better environment for the 2eVME protocol. Wayne noted that additional simulations were to take place covering a number of different test cases. In addition, Wayne stated that he had supplied some test boards to Bob Downing, Fermi, to provide hardware confirmation of the simulation.

Joe George, Nanotek, asked a number of questions that he stated were relevant to balloting the VME64x draft standard. Paul Vena, CSPI, suggested that Joe write up these questions and that the LLC would try to provide answers to them within the context of their agreement about how details of the simulation would be released.

*** BREAK***

John Rynearson noted that VITA was providing copies of draft standards in PDF format that were downloadable from its web site. Wayne Fischer noted that this was an excellent method to provide for the distribution of draft standards and urged that all draft standards be provided in some electronic format that could be accessed via the web.

Wayne asked for a show of hands of those who did NOT have and use email. No one raised their hand. Wayne then asked for a show of hands of people who were NOT able to surf the net, down load ".pdf" files and print them out. 1/2 hand was raised (can use co-workers computer to surf the net). This means every VSO attendees is able to retrieve documents placed on the web. Therefore ballots and documents can be distributed via email. This will save time and speed up the process for chairs and draft editors.

VME64x Task Group Meeting

Wayne Fischer asked that the VSO meeting be temporarily adjourned so that a VME64x task group meeting could be convenient. Hearing no objection Bob Downing adjourned the VSO meeting and Wayne Fischer called the VME64x task group meeting to order. Wayne noted that only those members signed up to ballot VME64x could participate in formal votes.

Wayne stated that the results of the task group ballot did not meet the 75/75 rule of the VSO to move VME64x to canvass ballot. Many of the comments were editorial and will be included in the next revision of the draft standard. In reviewing the negative ballots Wayne identified seven major issues. Three additional issues were added by the task group. The issues of concern discussed were: P0 keying, 2eVME protocol, requirements for mechanicals, amnesia protocol, mil. spec. reference, CR/CSR chapter update, renaming RTRY1, removing 3.3 volts, 3.3 volt termination network values, backward compatibility of VME64x boards into VME64 backplane.

The following issues were discussed and voted upon.

1. Provide a reference to the 1101.2 document. FOR 7, AGAINST 0. Provide an informative appendix re: 1101.2. FOR 12, AGAINST 0

2. How should multiple geographical parity errors that would cause two or more boards to end up at the amnesia address be handled? Should this issue be addressed in VME64x or in H.A.VME? Three options were discussed: drop geographical parity, don't respond if a geographical parity error occurs, leave VME64x as is, but provide clarification. The task group voted for option 3 -- leave as currently stated in draft standard, but provide clarification. Checking of Geo Addr Parity is optional: If checked, and parity error is detected, board can either not respond or set Geo Addr to Amnesia addr value.

3. What should VME64x say regarding the installation of VME64x (160 pin connector) boards in a 96 pin connector backplane? Should VME64x provide explicit guidance? Should there be an observation? The task group voted to write an observation to address this issue.

4. A motion was made to move Appendix D, regarding the minimum set of requirements to be VME64x compliant chapter into the main document. The task group voted: FOR - 17, AGAINST - 0. Wayne agreed to insert this as a new chapter 2 and increment all remaining chapters by one.

5. A motion was made to make the EMC, front panel, keying, ESD, and the alignment pin part of the requirements for VME64x compliance. The motion was defeated: FOR - 1, AGAINST - 15, ABSTAIN - 3. These items will remain as options.

*** LUNCH ***

6. The 3.3 volt termination value is listed as 1.5 Kohm. The correct value is 1.8 K. This error will be corrected in the next draft.

7. An alternative to front paneling keying was discussed for 1101.2 compliance boards that do not use standard front panels. Elwood Parsons, AMP, presented a possible solution using small parts that mount on the sides of the connector. This solution looks promising, but more detail work is required. Those interested in working on this issue will get together on Thursday and work out the details.

8. The group discussed the status of the 2eVME protocol. Some members felt that 2eVME should be separated from VME64x so that VME64x can be voted upon and released to ANSI canvass ballot. Other members stated that providing a backplane speed improvement is an important part of VME64x and that 2eVME should be left in. After more discussion the task group voted to leave 2eVME in VME64x and to finish 2eVME as quickly as possible. Wayne Fischer will include an informative appendix regarding timing. Wayne asked Joe George to write the first draft on this appendix since he brought up the issue several times and has the most experience on this subject.

9. The RTRY1 signal as specified in the VME64x draft standard is used as part of the 2eVME protocol. Originally this signal was named as an alternative RETRY signal for use on 3U boards, however its function has changed. After discussion the task group voted to rename this signal as RESP for "response".

10. 3.3 volt and V1/V2 voltages discussions. The task group discussed whether or not 3.3 voltage pins should be removed. The group voted 4 FOR and 12 AGAINST. The 3.3 voltage pins will remain. A number of members expressed concern that eliminating 3.3 volts was being raised at each meeting when they felt it was an issue that had been resolved. John Rynearson stated that ballot procedures provided for the discussion of any issue and that it would be inappropriate to not allow such discussion. However, John noted that Roberts Rules of Order did allow debate on an issue to be terminated with a 2/3 majority vote of the membership. He suggested that this method be used in the future to limit debate on specific issues if the members so choose. The group discussed whether or not to require backplanes to bus 3.3 volts to be VME64x compliance. The task group voted 14 FOR and 1 AGAINST. Therefore 3.3 volts must be bused in the backplane for the backplane to claim VME64x compliance. The task group discussed whether or not V1/V2 should be bused. The task group voted 15 FOR and 0 AGAINST to require that V1/V2 be bused.

Wayne Fischer stated that he would take all these issues and incorporate them in the next revision of the draft standard for review before the Jan VSO meeting.

Wayne Fischer adjourned the VME64x task group meeting.

Bob Downing called the VSO meeting back to order.

VITA 22, CellBus on VME Presentation

Bob introduced Javier Berrios, TranSwitch, who gave a 45 minute overview of CellBus and its proposed implementation on VME. CellBus is a ATM multiplexing and switching technology that would be implemented on P0/J0 as a secondary bus architecture. See attached presentation.

The VSO meeting was adjourned and the VME64x task group meeting was called to order to discuss one additional issue.

Chapter 9 in the VME64x draft standard provides a method for implementing scratchpad RAM in CR/CSR space. Paul Fischer, FORCE, discussed the background for the chapter. After more discussion it became apparent that there was considerable confusion as to the purpose of the chapter. The task group decided to take the issue off-line for further discussion and to come back with a resolution on Thursday.

There being no further business to discuss, the VME64x task group meeting was adjourned.

Bob called the VSO meeting to order.

H.A.VME Report, Lou Francz, Dialogic

Lou presented his proposal for a standalone live insertion standard. See attachment. Live insertion/extraction is a subset of the overall high availability VME draft standard. However, a number of system issues remain to be resolved before H.A.VME can be completed. Lou expressed concern that we would be missing the market window for live insertion if we did not act now to develop a standard. He proposed that the relevant sections of the H.A.VME draft standard be used to develop the live insertion standard. Dennis Terry, Heurikon, and a number of other members voiced their support. It was the consensus of the group to form a task group to develop this draft standard.

Bob noted that the Thursday meeting would start at 8:30 AM rather than at 9:00 AM as stated on the agenda. Bob then adjourned the VSO meeting for the day.

Bob Downing called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM.

160 Pin Connector Update, Holly Sherfinski, Harting

Px and Jx connectors are available in production quantities. Rear I/O schedule changed due to order commitments. Discussions for IEC standard are being held in Munich during Electronica. Harting is providing simulation model to VME2000 LLC for comparison with AMP model. Harting working with interested parties to resolve alternative keying issue. See attached overheads.

Alternative Keying Method, Jing Kwok, DY4

Interested parties were asked to meeting this afternoon to resolve technical details.

VITA 20, CCPMC Report, Jing Kwok, DY4

The group is resolving some mechanical issues and will issue a revised draft soon.

Uniform Device Interface Presentation, Kevin Quick, Interphase

Kevin presented an overview of the uniform device interface and its goals and objectives. See attached presentation.

VME64x Chapter 9 Discussion, Paul Fischer, FORCE

The group discussed the purpose of chapter 9 and decided to rewrite the chapter based on new objectives. Uwe Uhmeyer, Lecroy, will rewrite chapter 9.

VME64x Draft Standard Update Status, Wayne Fischer, FORCE

As a quick summary Wayne said he will update both the ETL and 2eVME Protocol Chapters with the results of the VME 2000 LLC Simulation as if the report is finished in time and the VME2000 LLC members agree.

Wayne stated he will add another appendix that summarizes the results of the VME2000 LLC ETL and 160 Connector Simulation if the LLC members agree.

Wayne said he will update the complete list of comments received in the second task group ballot and make them available as a hidden file on FORCE's home page, as he did just before this meeting. The present list of comments are documented as an attachment to these minutes.

Wayne also stated he will try to have the next draft, draft 1.5, finished and available on FORCE's home page by Friday, December 20. He will also update the TBG comments by December 20 as well.

VITA 1.x, 9U x 400 mm Format, Bob Downing, Fermi

Bob has revised the draft standard and submitted it to the VITA office for a task group ballot. The task group ballot should start within two weeks.

VITA 23, VMEbus in Physics Report, Bob Downing, Fermi

VITA 23 is being revised and will be submitted to a task group ballot shortly.

VITA 19, BusNet Report, Paul Fischer, FORCE

The VITA 19 task group met during the VSO meeting and worked on a number of issues. They plan to have a revised copy of the draft standard ready for review by the January VSO meeting.

VITA 25, VISION, Jim Pangburn, Fermi

Jim planned to find out more about the UDI effort and see what parts can be integrated into the VISION effort.

VITA 17, Front Panel Data Port, Jonathan Jones, ICS

Revision 1.2 of the draft standard was issued on October 11, 1996. It incorporates a number of changes discussed at the previous task group meeting.

IEEE P1101.10, P1101.11 Report, Frank Hom, Electronic Solutions

Frank reported that draft 5.1 P1101.10 will be resubmitted to the IEEE in December for Standards Board approval. There is an issue with a DEC patent. DEC has been asked to respond by Nov. 25, 1996. Draft 1.0 PIEEE 1101.11 was distributed in October for extended working group ballot. Early ballot returns indicate two issues: need more info on 2mm connector and define floor thickness and locking mechanism for shrouds for both 160 pin DIN and 2 mm connector. See attached overheads.

Future Meetings

The group reviewed the meeting schedule for 1997 and agreed upon the following dates and possible locations.

Jan 13,14 - Santa Clara (in conjunction with the Real Time Conference)

Mar 19,20 - Orlando

May 14, 15 - Phoenix (backup dates -- May 21,22)

Jul 23,24 - somewhere up north, Ottawa, Mpls, Vancouver ?

Sep 24,25 - northeast, Providence, Boston area or Phoenix ?

Nov 19,20 - to be determined

The VITA office will refine this schedule and look for appropriate hotels.

There being no further business the VSO meeting was adjourned at 11:50 AM.

Submitted by John Rynearson