Subrack

Template:Hierarchy header Two types of MCE subracks are in production:

• a large (72-HP) subrack containing 5 MDM connectors and four read-out cards.
• a small (48-HP) subrack containing 3 MDM connectors and two read-out cards.

An intermediate sized 60-HP subrack was also prototyped but not produced in large numbers. Functionally it is equivalent to the modern 48-HP subrack.

(what is HP?)

Components

A fully-kitted subrack contains:

• 1 clock card
• 2 (48-HP subrack) or 4 (72-HP subrack) readout cards (fewer are installed if the extra read-out capacity is not needed)
• 3 bias cards (in some situations one might be removed)
• 1 address card

It also contains the following which are generally not "user-replaceable":

• 1 bus backplane
• 1 instrument backplane
• 3 (48-HP subrack) or 5 (72-HP subrack) MDM filter boxes

Notes

• before the development of fast bias cards, in each subrack, one bias card was often replaced with a biasing address card (BAC), to allow for fast SQ2 switching. Modern bias cards can now perform fast switching and the BAC option is now obsolete.
• the 72-HP subrack also has space for a power supply (PSA) or a Linear Feed Card which are both obsolete and no longer installed. The Linear Feed Card would simply bring the power lines off the back plane out to front panel connectors. See MCE Power Requirements for current subrack power options.

Dimensions and Weight

• A fully populated 3-MDM (5-MDM) MCE weighs approximately 9.5 kg (13 kg). This does not include the weight of the power supply and power cable.

• Dimensions for a 48-HP MCE: ~ 40cm x 31cm x 34cm (depth x width x height)
• Dimensions for a 72-HP MCE: ~ 40cm x 43cm x 34cm (depth x width x height)

• • MCE 48-HP Mounting Dimensions (PDF)
  • MCE 48-HP Dimenstions (PDF)
  • MCE 72-HP Mounting Dimensions (PDF)

• Note: We are currently working on reducing the depth of the subracks by ~5cm and this will reduce the weight as well.
  • Solidworks model for shallow MCE72 subracks (zip)

(what is HP?)

Other information

• MCE Power Requirements
• Hardware Interface Block Diagram(PDF) (SC2_ELE_S580_005)
• Subrack Mounting Instructions (DOC) (SC2-MEC-S580-504)
• Connector Mating System Maintenance Includes photos and description.
• Hardware Maintenance notes
• MCE Cooling for balloon-based experiments