# FPGA Mezzanine Card

> ANSI/VITA input/output standard that defines I/O mezzanine modules with connection to an FPGA or other device with re-configurable I/O capability

**Wikidata**: [Q5426625](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5426625)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FPGA_Mezzanine_Card)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fpga-mezzanine-card

## Summary
An FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC) is an ANSI/VITA input/output standard that defines I/O mezzanine modules. These modules connect to a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other devices with re-configurable I/O capability. It is a specialized subclass of expansion card designed to add functionality to computer systems via a circuit board connection.

## Key Facts
- **Standard:** Defined by the ANSI/VITA input/output standard.
- **Aliases:** Also known as **FMC**.
- **Primary Function:** Defines I/O mezzanine modules with connection to an FPGA or other re-configurable I/O device.
- **Classification:** Subclass of **expansion card** (circuit board able to be connected to a computer system to add functionality).
- **Component Examples:** Includes electrical connectors such as the Samtec ASP-134488-01 male FMC HPC connector.
- **Knowledge Base Identifiers:** Wikidata ID, Freebase ID `/m/011v6329`, and Microsoft Academic ID `2776089684`.
- **Language Availability:** Documentation available in Commons, German, and English.

## FAQs

### What is an FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC)?
An FPGA Mezzanine Card is an ANSI/VITA standard that defines I/O mezzanine modules. It is designed to connect directly to an FPGA or other devices that feature re-configurable I/O capabilities.

### How does an FPGA Mezzanine Card relate to expansion cards?
FMC is a specific subclass of expansion card. While general expansion cards add functionality like graphics or sound to a computer, FMCs specifically provide I/O modules for re-configurable hardware like FPGAs.

### What is the purpose of the ANSI/VITA standard in this context?
The ANSI/VITA standard provides the specification for the I/O mezzanine modules, ensuring they can correctly interface with FPGAs and other re-configurable devices.

## Why It Matters
FPGA Mezzanine Cards are critical in the field of re-configurable computing because they provide a standardized method for connecting I/O modules to FPGAs. By defining a specific ANSI/VITA standard, FMC allows for greater versatility and customization in hardware design, enabling users to enhance the I/O capabilities of their systems without redesigning the core FPGA board. This modularity is essential for applications requiring specialized high-performance input/output, distinguishing FMCs from fixed-function expansion cards like standard graphics or network cards.

## Notable For
- **Re-configurable I/O:** Specifically designed to interface with devices that have re-configurable I/O capabilities, unlike standard fixed peripherals.
- **Standardization:** Adheres to the ANSI/VITA standard, ensuring interoperability and defined specifications for mezzanine modules.
- **Modularity:** Functions as a mezzanine module, allowing for compact and efficient addition of functionality to a carrier card or system.

## Body

### Overview
The FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC) is an ANSI/VITA input/output standard. It technically defines I/O mezzanine modules that are intended to connect to an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or other devices possessing re-configurable I/O capability. It operates as a specialized form of expansion card, a category of computer hardware consisting of printed circuit boards that connect to a computer system—typically via a motherboard or riser card—to add functionality.

### Classification as an Expansion Card
FMC is categorized as a **subclass of expansion card**. An expansion card is fundamentally a circuit board used to enhance a computer's capabilities. While general examples of expansion cards include graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards which improve specific static functions, the FMC is distinct in its focus on re-configurable logic.

As part of the expansion card family, FMCs share the core purpose of allowing users to customize and upgrade computer systems to meet specific needs. This hardware flexibility is particularly important in fields requiring specialized performance, such as scientific research or video editing, though FMC specifically targets the domain of re-configurable hardware interfaces.

### Hardware and Components
The standard involves physical components defined for high-performance connections. Visual documentation of the FMC includes the **Samtec ASP-134488-01 male FMC HPC connector**, which serves as an example of the electrical interfaces used in this standard.

### Data and Identifiers
The entity is tracked in major knowledge bases. It is registered under the Freebase identifier `/m/011v6329` and has a discontinued Microsoft Academic ID of `2776089684`. It maintains a presence on Wikimedia Commons and Wikipedia in English and German.