The only sure thing in the current world of computers and computer applications is that adaptability and versatility are essential. Think about a toolbox. Sure, everyone wants some specialized tools and gizmos, but simple solutions always work the best. And now that computing and telecommunications are so fully connected, the more dependable, easy to use and versatile computer components need to be. All these positive descriptions aptly describe the Advanced Mezzanine Card, or AdvancedMC.



AdvancedMC, or AMC, is a small daughter board. A daughter board is a miniature circuit board that is attached to the main board or "mother board." At three inches high, it can attach onto an Advanced TCA card or be plugged directly into a cabinet. What makes AdvancedMC distinctive from other expansion cards is the presence of pins, sockets, plugs or other connectors, something that normal expansion boards don't have. However, the AdvancedMC cards are only supposed to connect internally to a computer or other electronic device.

Because it is made specifically to fit on its side or parallel to the mainboard, AdvancedMC does not take up as much room. This space saving ability is sometimes referred to as a "slim form factor." In fact, "Mezzanine" is engaged in the name in reference to theatre mezzanines, which can be stacked one on top of the other.

Another good aspect of AMC is the fact that they are "hot swappable." This means that an AMC can be detached without having to shut down the system. This is certainly useful since there is no delay for shutting down and rebooting the system. In more significant cases, when the equipment or service must always be available, using AdvancedMC is a necessity.

Many different kinds of products are already available in AdvancedMC, including processor cards, memory cards and graphic adapter cards to name a few, and since the AMC allows you to update and reconfigure at will, these accommodating components will be around for the long term.