Chameleon Node Design Best Practices

The below list of design considerations are recommended for Chameleon nodes.  They are not required, but rather helpful hints that will benefit the design in the absence of and requirements to the contrary.

• If the node contains a NIM-2, make the NIM-2 the right-most module. This provides the capability to download and query the node via ethernet as well as serial.
• If the node contains a NIM-1, make it the left-most module.
• If there are no other overriding considerations (such as button and display co-location, mechanical weight balance, etc.), it is recommended to attempt to balance the power supply current across the backplane as much as practical.  Take this 3 module node example with the module power consumption listed: Module A: 6.8W, Module B: 3W, Module C: 10W. In this case, one optimal node configuration is (from left to right) Module B, Module A, Power Supply, and Module C.  This layout balances / minimizes the power (and associated current) traveling across each modules backplane cable.  If this node were organized as Power Supply, Module B, Module A, and then Module C there would be a larger amount of current through Module B then any of the modules in the first configuration.