Cisco ASR 900 Voice Interface Card (VIC) – A900-IMA6EM 6-Port E&M Module

Designed for high-demand edge networks, the Cisco ASR 900 Voice Interface Card (VIC) A900-IMA6EM delivers six Ear and Mouth (E&M) interfaces in a compact, rugged module. This VIC is purpose-built for low-latency signaling and reliable performance in Smart-Grid environments, Teleprotection schemes, and Land Mobile Radio (LMR) integrations. By integrating seamlessly with the Cisco ASR 900 Series, this 6-port E&M module enables precise analog signaling, fast protection times, and scalable channel density for critical communications. If your network demands robust, field-proven interfaces that bridge legacy analog devices with modern IP-based control planes, the A900-IMA6EM stands out as a trusted solution.

• Six high-quality E&M ports: The A900-IMA6EM provides six Ear and Mouth interfaces, enabling direct connection to teleprotection relays, substations, and radio systems without introducing extra converters or latency-inducing layers.
• Low-latency, high-reliability design: Engineered for real-time signaling in protection schemes and mission-critical deployments, helping to meet tight protection deadlines and minimize signaling jitter.
• Smart-Grid readiness: Optimized for grid automation and distributed resource coordination, allowing precise timing and coordination between protection devices, substations, and control centers.
• Teleprotection and LMR compatibility: Tailored to support teleprotection applications and Land Mobile Radio networks, enabling reliable analog signaling alongside Cisco’s IP-based infrastructure.
• Easy deployment in Cisco ASR 900: Engineered to slot into the ASR 900 chassis with straightforward configuration, leveraging Cisco’s signaling, timing, and management ecosystems for faster commissioning.

The Cisco ASR 900 VIC family, including the A900-IMA6EM, is built to deliver deterministic signaling in environments where protection times are measured in milliseconds. The 6-port E&M module enables parallel processing of multiple protection channels, voice interconnects, and signaling paths, helping utilities, transportation agencies, and public safety networks achieve synchronized operations across geographically dispersed assets. Network engineers value the VIC for its ability to preserve channel integrity in noisy environments, maintain stable signaling under varying load conditions, and minimize the risk of false alarms through clean analog interfaces. In practice, operators deploy this module where bridging legacy E&M circuits with modern Cisco routing and control planes is essential for reliable, fast-response communication. The result is a resilient, scalable edge solution that supports both current technologies and future upgrades.

Beyond raw port count, the A900-IMA6EM emphasizes ease of serviceability and forward-looking compatibility. The module is designed for field reliability, with robust mechanical fit and electrical characteristics that align with Cisco’s broad portfolio of ASR 900 components. In deployments that include smart-grid control centers, substations, and critical communication hubs, the VIC helps maintain deterministic signaling even during network congestion or power fluctuations. The six E&M channels offer substantial density for teleprotection and signaling tasks, enabling operators to run multiple protective schemes in parallel without sacrificing performance. This is particularly valuable for utilities that must coordinate protection schemes across multiple substations and control sites, reducing coordination delays and improving overall system resilience. The A900-IMA6EM also integrates with Cisco management tools, enabling streamlined monitoring, fault detection, and proactive maintenance workflows that minimize network downtime.

In terms of physical and environmental considerations, Cisco’s ASR 900 VIC modules are designed for data-center edge deployments and hazardous or remote environments where durable hardware and predictable performance matter. They support standard Cisco chassis and backplane interfaces, ensuring compatibility with existing inventory, spare parts, and field service processes. The A900-IMA6EM is a strategic choice for engineers who want to extend their Cisco ASR 900 platform’s signaling capabilities while preserving the high-availability characteristics that Cisco customers expect. Whether you’re upgrading a legacy teleprotection setup, expanding LMR interconnects, or enabling Smart-Grid signaling across a distributed network, this VIC delivers a reliable, scalable bridge between analog signaling and modern network management.

Operational efficiency is another key benefit of the A900-IMA6EM. By consolidating six E&M interfaces into a single, compact module, organizations can reduce rack space, simplify wiring, and lower overall hardware costs compared to deploying multiple standalone adapters. The module’s design supports straightforward field installation, with clear labeling and channel mapping that help technicians quickly verify correct connections and channel assignments. In practice, companies report faster turn-up times, easier fault isolation, and more predictable performance during routine maintenance and protection testing. The A900-IMA6EM’s compatibility with Cisco’s security, QoS, and timing mechanisms also means it fits neatly into existing security policies and network timing architectures, ensuring that critical signaling remains synchronized with control plane events and data-plane traffic.

Technical Details of Cisco ASR 900 Voice Interface Card (VIC)

• Module name: A900-IMA6EM – Cisco ASR 900 Series 6-port E&M Module
• Ports: 6 Ear and Mouth (E&M) interfaces for analog signaling
• Family: Cisco ASR 900 Series VIC line
• Applications: Teleprotection, Land Mobile Radio (LMR), Smart-Grid signaling, low-latency communication
• Compatibility: Designed to fit Cisco ASR 900 routers and integrate with Cisco timing and signaling ecosystems
• Deployment considerations: Optimized for edge environments requiring rapid protection signaling and reliable channel density

how to install Cisco ASR 900 Voice Interface Card (VIC)

Install the A900-IMA6EM into a supported Cisco ASR 900 chassis by following these general steps. Always adhere to your organization’s change-control procedures and Cisco installation guides for your exact chassis model.

• Power down the device or ensure you are in a maintenance window according to your outage policy, and disconnect power sources as required.
• Identify an available VIC slot that matches the A900-IMA6EM’s form factor and backplane interface. Remove the slot cover if necessary.
• Carefully align the VIC with the chassis backplane, ensuring connectors line up with the slot guides. Gently insert the module until it seats firmly in the backplane.
• Secure the module with the retention mechanism or screws specified for your chassis. Confirm the module is seated evenly and that there is no binding in the connector area.
• Reconnect power and monitor the system boot sequence. Use the Cisco management interface to verify that the A900-IMA6EM is detected and enumerate its E&M ports correctly.
• Configure port mappings and signaling parameters per your protection scheme requirements. Validate channel status with a test signal on each E&M port and verify timing and fault signaling in your control plane.
• Test integration with adjacent devices (teleprotection relays, LMR radios, and substation controllers) to confirm interoperability and acceptable latency under typical load conditions.
• Document the installation, including slot number, channel assignments, and any special configuration notes, so future maintenance is streamlined.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the A900-IMA6EM used for? A six-port E&M module for the Cisco ASR 900 Series, enabling analog signaling for teleprotection, LMR, and Smart-Grid applications.
• Q: How many E&M ports does the VIC provide? A: Six E&M (Ear and Mouth) interfaces.
• Q: Is the VIC compatible with existing Cisco ASR 900 configurations? A: Yes. It is designed to slot into the ASR 900 chassis and integrate with Cisco’s signaling, timing, and management framework.
• Q: What deployment scenarios best suit the A900-IMA6EM? A: Teleprotection schemes, substations interfacing with protection relays, Land Mobile Radio interconnects, and Smart-Grid signaling environments requiring low-latency analog interfaces.
• Q: Does the VIC require any special power or cabling? A: It uses standard backplane power within the Cisco ASR 900 chassis and connects via the E&M signaling cabling specified for your protection schemes; follow Cisco’s wiring diagrams for correct port assignments.