VMIC reflective memory card, PMC5565 memory card

    Reflective memory card communication differs from other conventional communication methods, as it enables data sharing without software involvement. Taking PCI5565 as an example, it maps a 128M memory space in the system. Applications write collected data into the onboard memory, while hardware handles sharing this data to other nodes. The hardware transmits data in frames to the next node. Due to the use of 2.125G optical fiber communication, this process is extremely fast, reducing data synchronization time. In some systems, the data in two memory spaces can be considered identical. In systems with higher real-time requirements, this time is predictable, making the advantages of reflective memory networks particularly evident in simulation systems with millisecond-level or shorter simulation cycles.

        Reflective memory networks differ from general communication methods, but their price and cost have always been relatively high, preventing costs from being driven as low as traditional networks. This limits the application of reflective memory. In cost-sensitive systems, it can only complement conventional networks. However, the ease of use of reflective memory reduces software development costs and cycles, saves CPU overhead, is easy to understand and use, reduces system complexity, shortens development cycles, and mitigates risks. These advantages have led to broader applications of reflective memory cards.

        Currently, the most widespread application of reflective memory networks is in real-time simulation systems, where functional modules are clearly divided. These include computers responsible for data acquisition, model computation, image display, data output, and overall system control, among others. Nodes can be expanded or reduced for distributed processing. Software development can also be conducted across different operating systems. This enables multiple employees to collaborate and rapidly develop a robust system.

Of course, reflective memory cards have more application areas, allowing designers to freely leverage their flexibility in system design.