VANGUARD CPCI-350Q Series Modules: CPCI-350Q-P-38 PSMU-350-3

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

VANGUARD CPCI-350Q Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The VANGUARD CPCI-350Q series represents a CompactPCI-based power and control platform deployed extensively across global heavy industry verticals, including petrochemical refineries, nuclear power generation facilities, offshore oil & gas platforms, and large-scale chemical processing plants. Built to the PICMG 2.0 CompactPCI standard, the CPCI-350Q chassis and its associated modules deliver high-density, hot-swap-capable power distribution and I/O management in environments where unplanned downtime carries significant operational and safety consequences. The series is recognized for its robust backplane architecture, redundant power bus design, and compatibility with legacy DCS and SCADA infrastructure that remains in active service across facilities commissioned in the 1990s through the 2010s.

The Evolution of CPCI-350Q Architecture

The CPCI-350Q platform was introduced as part of VANGUARD's second-generation CompactPCI product line, succeeding earlier VMEbus-based power modules. The architecture adopted the 6U CompactPCI form factor, enabling higher slot density and standardized hot-swap management via the PICMG 2.1 Hot Swap specification. Early revisions of the PSMU (Power Supply Management Unit) sub-series, including the PSMU-350-1 and PSMU-350-2, provided single-rail DC output with basic fault reporting over the system management bus. The PSMU-350-3 revision introduced dual-rail output monitoring, enhanced thermal management with variable-speed fan control, and expanded IPMI-compatible fault logging.

As the series matured, VANGUARD released the CPCI-350Q-P-38 carrier board to support the PSMU-350-3 in 3U and 6U mixed chassis configurations. Compatibility with the CPCI-350Q backplane was maintained across all PSMU sub-revisions, though firmware alignment between the PSMU-350-3 and chassis management controllers (CMC) requires version verification prior to field replacement. The CPCI-350Q series has entered the mature/end-of-life phase of its product lifecycle; VANGUARD has transitioned current designs to the CPCI-700 and ATCA-based platforms. Long-term maintenance support for installed CPCI-350Q base is now dependent on third-party spare parts suppliers and certified repair depots.

CPCI-350Q Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified components within the VANGUARD CPCI-350Q ecosystem, classified by functional category:

Power Supply & Management Units

CPCI-350Q-P-38 PSMU-350-3: AC input power supply management unit, dual-rail output, hot-swap, 350W
CPCI-350Q-P-36 PSMU-350-2: AC input PSU, single-rail output, 350W, legacy revision
CPCI-350Q-P-34 PSMU-350-1: First-generation 350W AC PSU, no IPMI support
CPCI-350Q-P-48 PSMU-480-1: 480W extended-capacity AC power supply module
CPCI-350Q-DC-38 PSMU-DC-350: 48VDC input power supply management unit, 350W

CPU & System Controller Modules

CPCI-350Q-CPU-01: Single-board computer, Intel x86, CompactPCI system slot controller
CPCI-350Q-CPU-02: Dual-core SBC, extended temperature range, ECC RAM support
CPCI-350Q-CMC-01: Chassis management controller, IPMI 2.0, fan and power supervision

Digital I/O Modules

CPCI-350Q-DI-16: 16-channel 24VDC digital input module, isolated
CPCI-350Q-DI-32: 32-channel digital input, 24VDC, high-density I/O
CPCI-350Q-DO-16: 16-channel digital output, relay contact, 2A per channel
CPCI-350Q-DO-32: 32-channel digital output, transistor sink, 0.5A per channel

Analog I/O Modules

CPCI-350Q-AI-08: 8-channel analog input, 4–20mA / 0–10V selectable, 16-bit ADC
CPCI-350Q-AO-04: 4-channel analog output, 4–20mA, 12-bit DAC, loop-powered

Communication & Network Adapters

CPCI-350Q-COM-01: Dual RS-232/RS-485 serial communication adapter
CPCI-350Q-ETH-01: Dual Gigabit Ethernet adapter, Intel 82571 chipset
CPCI-350Q-PB-01: PROFIBUS DP master/slave communication module
CPCI-350Q-MBT-01: Modbus TCP/RTU gateway module

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete CPCI-350Q Parts

With the CPCI-350Q series in end-of-life status, OEM factory orders are no longer fulfilled for the majority of modules in this catalog. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for CPCI-350Q spare parts, sourced through certified secondary market channels, decommissioned plant buybacks, and authorized distributor excess stock. All units are inspected, tested, and documented prior to shipment.

DriveKNMS provides lifecycle extension support for facilities that cannot migrate to current-generation platforms due to capital expenditure constraints, regulatory freeze requirements, or long-term service agreements. Available services include: verified replacement units for PSMU-350-1 through PSMU-350-3 sub-revisions, firmware version matching for CMC and CPU modules, and exchange programs for failed boards with documented fault history. Lead times for critical CPCI-350Q-P-38 PSMU-350-3 units are typically 3–10 business days from confirmed stock.

Quality Control for the CPCI-350Q Range

CPCI-350Q modules present specific test challenges due to their integrated backplane bus communication and multi-rail power management architecture. DriveKNMS applies a structured test protocol for all CPCI-350Q units prior to dispatch:

Power supply modules (PSMU series) undergo full-load burn-in testing at rated wattage for a minimum of 24 hours, with output voltage stability, ripple, and thermal performance logged at 30-minute intervals. Hot-swap insertion and extraction cycles are validated against PICMG 2.1 specifications. For PSMU-350-3 units, dual-rail output balance and IPMI fault register integrity are verified using chassis management controller loopback fixtures.

I/O modules are tested on a live CPCI-350Q backplane with channel-by-channel signal verification. Digital I/O modules are tested for isolation resistance and contact bounce characteristics. Analog modules are calibrated against NIST-traceable reference standards. Communication adapters are validated for protocol compliance using certified test masters for PROFIBUS and Modbus environments.

All tested units are issued a DriveKNMS inspection certificate with test date, technician ID, and pass/fail data for each parameter.