  We have developed a novel and generic open-source platform - Apollo - which
simplifies the design of custom Advanced Telecommunications Computing
Architecture (ATCA) blades by factoring the design into generic infrastructure
and application-specific parts. The Apollo "Service Module" provides the
required ATCA Intelligent Platform Management Controller, power entry and
conditioning, a powerful system-on-module (SoM) computer, and flexible clock
and communications infrastructure. The Apollo "Command Module" is customized
for each application and typically includes two large field-programmable gate
arrays, several hundred optical fiber interfaces operating at speeds up to 28
Gbps, memories, and other supporting infrastructure. The command and service
module boards can be operated together or independently on the bench without
need for an ATCA shelf.
