Embedded Rack Archtitecture - PatternAgents/ERA GitHub Wiki

The Embedded Rack Architecture (ERA) is a new, Open Source Hardware (OSHW) specification for Modular Audio/Video equipment that is being co-developed by a number of cooperating companies and individuals in the audio field, and is backward compatible with the Eurorack specification (aka Legacy Eurorack).

Eurorack has undergone many changes over the years, as it has been deployed and used in different applications. For example, some Eurorack manufacturers employ 10-pin power connectors, while others employ 16-pin connectors.

One of the changes recommended by Dave Rossum of Rossum Electro-Music (nee Emu Systems) when using 16-pin connectors is to disconnect two of the six "Ground" signals as a circuit protection mechanism. ( see http://www.rossum-electro.com/uncategorized/circuit-protection/ )

So subtle changes have already been made to the Eurorack "standard", such as other vendors reusing the Bus CV & Gate signals on the 16-pin power connector as MIDI data, or other perhaps proprietary signals, creating potential compatibility issues.

The ERA specification provides a framework to support backward compatibility with Eurorack, while providing new features and capabilities. Like other interface standards (USB, PCI, etc.) ERA has a number of implementation levels (USB1.0, USB2.0, USB3.0) with increasing capabilities and costs.

  • ERA 1.0 Legacy Eurorack Backward Compatible
  • ERA 2.0 Adds CV In/Out, Gate In/Out, and I2C bus
  • ERA 3.0 Adds Layer2 Crosspoint Switch Fabric

ERA is intended to be used for more than just Modular Audio/Video equipment; it is also being used as the testing and development platform for a number of our internal projects, as well as developing our manufacturing test systems. It provides a more more standardized packaging approach to modular electronics, with design patterns already available for self-contained small packaging (i.e. "skiffs"); as well as 19" rack-mount systems for much larger applications.

If you'd like to be involved in the development of the Embedded Rack Architecture (ERA) specifications and reference designs, then please contact us at : PatternAgents