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This section provides an overview for backplanes as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 19 backplane manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked backplane companies as of December, 2024: 1.Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc., 2.Axiomtek Co., Ltd., 3.Rocky Co., Ltd..
Table of Contents
A backplane is a circuit board used in electronic equipment such as computers and telecommunications equipment to connect boards and cards.
It is typically mounted on the back of a device to transmit power and signals to inserted cards and modules. A backplane also consists of brackets for securing boards, sockets for supplying power, and connectors for transmitting signals.
Backplanes are essential to the performance of electronic devices. They support the board, reduce the effects of board vibration and heat, and improve reliability.
Backplanes are used in hardware such as servers, network switches, and routers. These devices require many components to process data in parallel at high speed. The backplane efficiently transfers data between these components to maximize system performance.
Backplanes are commonly used in data storage systems to process and store large amounts of data at high speed. These include RAID arrays and storage area networks (SANs).
Backplanes are also common in computer systems used in manufacturing, energy, transportation, and other industries. Ruggedness and reliability are important in these systems, and backplanes are used to meet these requirements.
Test equipment is used to measure the performance and quality of electronic equipment. Test equipment uses backplanes to connect multiple test cards to accommodate a wide variety of measurement items and conditions.
To understand the basic workings of a backplane, it is important to understand how it connects hardware components and transfers data.
A backplane essentially consists of one or more printed circuit boards. These boards are equipped with slots or ports for connecting the various components of a computer system.
These slots essentially correspond to a specific type of component (e.g., CPU, RAM, hard drive, etc.). Components are physically connected to these slots and communicate with other components through the backplane.
One of the primary functions of a backplane is to allow data transfer between components. This is done through electronic circuits located on the board. Each component uses these circuits to send and receive data.
Depending on the backplane design and component type, data can be transferred in parallel (multiple bits are transferred simultaneously) or in serial (one bit at a time).
Some backplanes offer plug-and-play capability to facilitate the addition or replacement of components. This means that a new component can simply be physically plugged into a slot and the system will automatically recognize its presence and enable it to operate properly.
Together, backplanes allow the components of a system to work together efficiently and share data. Backplanes are critical to the performance and scalability of a computer system.
Backplanes come in a variety of standards and forms.
Backplane standards include PICMG, ISA, PCI, among others. PICMG is a standard developed by the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group that supports PCI and PCI Express. ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) is a standard which was adopted for early IBM PCs and other products.
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) is the standard which enables high-speed data transfer.
These standards are sometimes, but not always, compatible. The backplane and the cards or boards to be connected must support the same standard.
There are two forms of backplanes: active and passive. Active backplanes contain chips that buffer signals between slots and can accommodate complex systems.
Passive backplanes do not have any features that drive the circuitry, but have arbitration circuitry on the card or board side. Active backplanes are more likely to fail than passive backplanes.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc., established in 1952 and headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, USA, is a manufacturer of advanced color measurement spectrophotometers, which are used for precision and optimal quality. The spectrophotometers provide numerous benefits, including accurate color measurement, ensuring product quality and consistency in industries such as textiles, plastics, paints, and cosmetics. These instruments play a vital role in color formulation, quality control, and color matching processes. The company’s products find application in a comprehensive array of industries, such as food, beverages, plastics, chemicals, and textiles, where color accuracy is needed for product development and manufacturing.
V&R Industries, established in 1989 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision-machined components and assemblies. The company’s product range includes a diverse array of precision machining solutions, such as CNC milling, turning, Swiss screw machining, and precision grinding. These offerings find applications in industries like aerospace, medical, automotive, and electronics, providing critical components with tight tolerances and quality finishes. V&R Industries is devoted to delivering great quality and meeting customer specifications. V&R's passion for brilliance is demonstrated by its ISO 9001:2015 certification, ensuring consistent performance and customer satisfaction.
American Portwell Technology is a global company that specializes in designing and manufacturing a wide range of embedded computing solutions, including single-board computers and industrial motherboards. Established in 1993, it has provided embedded computing solutions to various industries, including automation, gaming, medical, and military. The Company has received several industry recognitions for its quality products and services. Its products are proven by customers around the world for their reliability, scalability, and flexibility. The company's aim on research, development and technology has enabled it to stay ahead in the fast-paced and rapidly evolving embedded computing industry.
Axiomtek, founded in 1990, and located in Taipei, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of industrial computer boards, embedded systems, and panel PCs. Their diverse product range includes single board computers, embedded boards, and system-on-module (SoM) solutions for various industrial applications like automation and manufacturing. Additionally, they offer industrial computers, touch screen panel PCs, and rugged panel PCs catering to applications in machine control, medical, and retail sectors. Axiomtek provides green products compliant with WEEE and RoHS legislations and ensures its Environmental Management System (EMS) meets ISO 14001 standards.
IEI Integration Corp., established in 1997 and based in New Taipei City, Taiwan, is a supplier specializing in artificial intelligence and networking edge computing. Its product range includes AI Developer Kits for computer vision and deep learning applications, Embedded Systems, Network Appliances for networking functions, Single Board Computers, and Industrial Panel PCs and Monitors designed for rugged industrial applications. These technologies find applications in diverse fields like AI, IoT, defense, transportation, and medical instruments. The company holds certifications such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, and ISO 28000:2007.
Advantech was established in 1981 and is a manufacturer and supplier of embedded computing and intelligent connectivity system solutions based in Taiwan. The company offers various IoT hardware and software solution products, including arm-based computing platforms, industrial display systems, advanced video appliances, wireless industrial automation sensors, and industrial ethernet switches. The products created by the company have been certified with REACH Compliance certificate. The company has partnered in the WISE-Marketplace Ecosystem with other businesses, including Anewtech Systems, Ibcon, Mirai Electronics, Lubi Electronics, and BioEnergy Projects Sdn Bhd.
Advantech Co., Ltd., established in 1981 in Neihu District, Taipei, is a pioneering manufacturer and designer of a range of products, solutions, and services. The company boasts an extensive product portfolio that includes system integration, customer-centric design services, cutting-edge embedded systems, automation products, and global logistics support. Its aim is to usher in an era of an intelligent planet through its automation and embedded computing products and solutions. These diverse products and services empower smarter ways of working and living to enhance the quality of life and productivity across various industries.
Extreme Engineering Solutions, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of embeddable computing systems and boards for military as well as commercial applications established in 2002 and based in Middleton, Wisconsin, USA. The company primarily produces single board input output (I/O) panels, computers, and backplanes for embeddable computing applications. It also offers networking I/O modules, embedded routers, and ruggedized temperature systems for demanding environments. The company is ISO 9001-certified, and mainly serves clients in the communications, military, and defense sectors.
Atrenne Computing Solutions LLC., established in 1972 and headquartered in Brockton, Massachusetts, United States, is a manufacturer of electromechanical solutions. The company specializes in offering customized, mission-critical computing platforms that are ruggedized for operation in the most demanding environments, utilizing CompactPCI, OpenVPX Architecture, and Sensor Open Systems Architecture. Its product range includes front panels, extruded aluminum enclosures, and ruggedized packaging solutions for circuit board mounting and assembly systems. Acquired by Celestica in 2018, the company caters to the defense, aerospace, and various other technology-driven industries.
Vector Electronics & Technology Inc., established in 1920 and headquartered in California, United States, is a manufacturer of server rack mounting equipment and components. The company's products include Vector Uncommitted backplanes in 96- or 160-pin DIN format, Vectorbord prototyping tools, and cPCI-integrated backplanes with rack-mount or bench-top chassis and power supplies. It welcomes inquiries for customized production and works extensively with aerospace, military, and commercial original equipment manufacturers. It serves industries that include telecommunications, electronics manufacturing, and data.
Wise Solutions is associated with Advantech which was established in 1983 and is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, and designs and supplies intelligent IoT (Internet of Things) solutions to businesses all over the world. The company provides hardware devices, software platforms, and cloud services for industrial automation, intelligent transportation, healthcare, retail, and energy management. Their clientele also includes manufacturers, system integrators, solution providers, and end-users. Their services are designed to enable companies to connect, manage, and analyze data from diverse devices and sensors and the end users gain more safety in their work.
Akiwa, founded in Taiwan, in 1999 is a manufacturer of server products. The company's product portfolio includes Rackmount Servers for computing solutions, Tower Servers, Blade Servers, Blade Servers and Storage Servers. Their products are used in industries such as Data Centers and Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT Solutions, Scientific Research and HPC, Financial Services and Trading and Healthcare and Life Sciences. They also provide services including product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.
HEITEC, a reputable company founded in 1973 in Germany, specializes in automation, digitalization, and electronics. They offer diverse products and services for industrial automation, including automation systems, production optimization, robotics, and digitalization solutions. Serving industries like automotive and medical technology, they provide tailor-made solutions from planning to support. Determined to quality, the company holds certifications including DIN EN ISO 9001 and ISO 13485, ensuring excellent processes. Directing attention to information security, they comply with ISO 27001. As a stable partner in automation, HEITEC delivers solid and superb solutions to meet customer needs.
Elma Electronic, with its headquarters located in Fremont, California, has been a manfuacturer of computer hardware since its establishment in 1960. The company specializes in the development of open standards-based backplanes, modular enclosures, cabinets, sub-system assemblies, and integration solutions. Additionally, it also manufactures precision rotary switches, encoders, and audio solutions that are integral components in critical and emergency radio systems. Its backplanes are customizable, and the company offers an optional conformal coating for enhanced protection against environmental factors.
Hybrid Electronics is a global distribution specialist of electronic components, with access to over 50 million unique components. Among the markets HE serves are the aerospace, automotive, communications, defense, industrial, medical, national security, and test & measurement industries. In addition to components, HE also provides quality and compliance testing, counterfeit detection, upscreening, and other forms of quality control. Examples of component subtypes that HE offers include ICs, batteries, capacitors, semiconductor products, sensors, circuit protection, interconnectors, filters, optoelectronics, relays, switches, power supplies, and cables and cable assemblies.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Axiomtek Co., Ltd. |
14.0%
|
| 2 | Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc. |
12.0%
|
| 3 | Heitec AG |
11.0%
|
| 4 | Rocky Co., Ltd. |
8.0%
|
| 5 | Trenton Systems, Inc. |
7.0%
|
| 6 | VR Industries, Inc. |
7.0%
|
| 7 | Extreme Engineering Solutions, Inc. |
6.0%
|
| 8 | Hybrid Electronics Corporation |
6.0%
|
| 9 | IEI Integration Corp. |
5.0%
|
| 10 | Elma Electronic |
5.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the backplane page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
3 | 42.9% |
Japan
|
2 | 28.6% |
|
Taiwan
|
1 | 14.3% |
|
Germany
|
1 | 14.3% |
42 products found - Page 2
42 products - Page 2
Settsu Metal Industry
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■VME specifications ・A high-quality backplane that supports everything from basic specifications to custom specifications. ・VMEbus specification.
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We offer various accessories that support our CPU board and motherboard, such as signal converter, IDE interface conversion device, back plane card.
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Yamashita Systems Co., Ltd.
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■Product overview This is a 16-bit Ethernet card that is fully compatible with Novell's NE2000 and has full duplex and Plug & Play functions. This ...
