Industry NewsLatest From PICMG
Designed for next-generation edge and telecommunications infrastructure, the new standard’s architecture addresses quantum computing, 6G connectivity, and high-density AI workloads.
Wakefield, MA. March 11, 2025. PICMG — a leading consortium developing innovative open standards for embedded computing — has officially ratified the 400G AdvancedTCA (ATCA) modular computing standard. Developed collaboratively by industry leaders including Comtel, TE Connectivity, and Vodatech, the new standard is built to meet the escalating demands of sophisticated edge, AI, and quantum deployment.
According to Alexei Volkov, CTO at Comtel and PICMG Working Group Chair, this release bridges the gap between cloud-scale virtualization and edge physical layer requirements while at the same time demonstrating the standard’s enduring versatility. It improves upon previous generations in several ways:
- 400G Backplane Connectivity: While older generations were capped at 25Gbps, TE Connectivity EZD++ connectors support 32Gbps/ch via PAM-4, a significant increase in bandwidth.
- Streamlined Compliance: Rather than relying on physical test cards, 400G ACTA introduces S-parameter modeling, enabling virtual validation of signal integrity across worst-case backplane/card combinations.
- Enhanced Thermal Management: Validated 1kW+ liquid cooling supports deployment in coastal RF sites and desert environments, something challenging with comparatively limited 650W/slot air cooling.
- Full Backwards Compatibility: Mechanically identical connectors ensure full backwards compatibility with all PICMG 3.1-3.7 specifications.
- Increased Power Density: The new standard features dual-slot blade, with 800W/slot for Xilinx Versal HBM. It also supports 32-port 400G blades with Xilinx Versal HBM FPGAs.
ACTA platforms have long played a critical role in telecommunications infrastructure, with industry leaders such as Nokia extensively utilizing the technology. He expects the company will benefit considerably from 400G ACTA’s improvements, especially if integrating it with Open RAN technology. He was also quick to note that ACTA’s relevance extends far beyond telecommunications.
“Around 80% of our use cases for ACTA are now outside the telecom space,” Volkov explained. “We now have projects like quantum computing equipment for the defense sector, radio telescope control at the Atacama Observatory, and semiconductor equipment for leading EU foundries. This is a significant shift, and one we expect to continue with the release of 400G ACTA.”
“ACTA’s modular architecture is also used extensively in edge security,” he added. “Fortinet’s terabit firewall systems, for example, rely heavily on the technology.”
Specification documents for 400G ACTA will be made available to PICMG members this month, and TE Connectivity plans to release compliance test suites in Q2 2025. ANSYSS HFSS capability has also been confirmed, with a developer workshop scheduled from June 15-17 in Berlin for training. A second workshop will take place in San Diego from July 22-24.
“This isn’t just about speed,” said Volkov. “It’s about preserving over 25 years of ACTA ecosystem investment while also meeting quantum computing and 6G timing requirements. Our field deployments from Chilean deserts to German clean rooms prove modular architectures outlast conventional servers in critical infrastructure.”
The first compliant 400G ACTA systems are expected to ship in Q4 2025. PICMG also has several additional specification updates planned for 2026, including Redfish management integration, SOSA-aligned configuration, and additional edge-to-core orchestration capabilities.
About PICMG
Founded in 1994, PICMG (PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group) is a nonprofit consortium of companies and organizations that collaboratively develop open standards for high performance telecommunications, military, industrial, and general purpose embedded computing applications. Its original mission was to extend the PCI standard to non-desktop applications. There are over 140 member companies that specialize in a wide range of technical disciplines, including mechanical and thermal design, single board computer design, very high speed signaling design and analysis, networking expertise, backplane and packaging design, power management, High Availability software, and comprehensive system management. Equipment built to PICMG standards is used worldwide and anyone can build or use equipment without restriction (although certain technologies used for some military applications may be subject to U.S. export restrictions governed by ITAR rules). Key standards families developed by PICMG include ®, AdvancedTCA®, MicroTCA®, AdvancedMC®, CompactPCI® Serial, COM Express®, SHB Express®, MicroSAM, COM-HPC. and HPM (Hardware Platform Management).
