The Kontron ETX family now offers true scalability with a full range of performance from Geode processing capabilities up to Intel Core 2 Duo processors

Available now from Kontron, the ETX-PM3 is one of the latest generation of Intel Pentium M and Celeron M processor based computer-on-modules. The Kontron ETX-PM3 joins the Kontron ETX-LX, ETX-CN8 and ETX-CD to become the fourth member of Kontron’s ETX 3.0 generation of computer-on-modules. The Kontron ETX family now offers true scalability with a full range of performance from Geode processing capabilities up to Intel Core 2 Duo processors.

The Kontron ETX-PM3 combines fast SerialATA hard drive access and extended sleep state modes with the Intel Pentium M and Celeron M processors to round off the highly scalable 3.0 generation of ETX computer-on-modules.

Performance for the new Kontron computer-on-module is provided by the low power Intel Celeron M processors from 600MHz to 1.0GHz and Pentium M processors from 1.4 to 1.8GHz.

Mobile applications in particular will benefit from the Kontron ETX-PM3 module’s new power saving feature: The ’suspend to RAM’ functions ensure that power is supplied only to the RAM when all other system components are idle.

This not only increases battery life, but also provides more convenient operation, enabling field personnel to awaken sleeping applications at the click of a button.

Additionally, this new Kontron computer-on-module continues to incorporate all of the other advantages embedded designers have come to depend on with the proven ETX-PM range of computer-on-modules, including 1Gbyte of DDR SDRAM as well as four USB 2.0 interfaces, two TTL serial interfaces and 10/100 Base Ethernet.

Software support is provided for Microsoft Windows XP/XP Embedded, Windows 2000 and CE.NET as well as Linux and VxWorks.

As the Kontron ETX-PM3 computer-on-module is designed in accordance with the ETX 3.0 specification, changing from IDE to fast SATA hard drives is easy.

The two ETX 3.0 SATA interfaces are integrated into the computer-on-module without any changes to the module’s ETX pins, making the Kontron ETX-PM3 100% pin-to-pin compatible with previous versions.

Because no revisions to existing base board designs are necessary, future support for the already numerous applications based on the ETX range of computer-on-modules is guaranteed.

Extended temperature single board computer features a high-reliability design, low power consumption (less than 5W) and a robust complement of onboard I/O options

VersaLogic has produced an extended temperature version of the popular Python single board computer with a high-reliability design, low power consumption (less than 5W) and a robust complement of onboard I/O options. Like other Python boards, this Python version includes VersaLogic’s new SPX expansion interface that allows users to easily add a wide-range of low-cost I/O options to the system.

The Python boards use AMD’s energy-saving LX 800 processor.

It features the standard x86 architecture to support familiar user interfaces and operating system environments.

The processor consumes very little power (less than 1W) and is one of the highest performance-per-watt CPUs available.

The extended temperature Python version is designed to operate in environments from -40 to +85C.

Standard onboard features include a 200-pin socket accepting up to 1Gbyte of 333MHz DDR RAM, four COM ports, four USB 2.0 ports, dual Ethernet ports, IDE, LPT, digital I/O, analogue input, audio I/O and keyboard/mouse support.

The new board also includes integrated SVGA and LVDS flat-panel support with MMX and 3DNow for video-intensive applications.

System expansion is supported by the PC/104-Plus interface (for ISA and PCI addon modules), and VersaLogic’s new SPX interface for simplified I/O expansion.

The Python may also be used as a CPU module for a larger system, by plugging it into a proprietary base board that includes specific user I/O circuitry.

The extended temperature Python is ideal for aerospace, homeland security, medical and industrial applications that require high reliability under harsh environments.

Fully RoHS-compliant and designed to meet EU Directive 2002/95/EC, this board is suited for markets in Europe, California, China and other areas where restrictions on the use of hazardous materials in electronic components are in force.

As with other VersaLogic embedded computer boards, the Python includes a customisable, OEM-enhanced BIOS that is field-upgradeable.

It is designed to work with embedded operating systems, including Windows CE/XP/XPe, Linux, VxWorks, QNX, DOS and many other real-time OSs.

Microcontroller module outperforms competing solutions based on the ARM, XScale and PowerPC architectures, claiming new standards for performance, cost and energy efficiency

IEEE1588 is a clock synchronisation standard for communication devices, which has seen a dramatic increase in interest over the past year. It is today seen as a fundamental cornerstone for future communication systems- wired and wireless, professional and consumer. IEEE1588 enables these to be synchronised to GPS accuracy and enable the quality of service required for future communication systems.
Microcontroller module outperforms competing solutions based on the ARM, XScale and PowerPC architectures, claiming new standards for performance, cost and energy efficiency

Imsys addresses these new, demanding applications with the introduction of the IM3220-BA10 MCU and the single board reference module that have been shown to deliver telecomms, ITU G.8261, compliance.

With a size only one-quarter that of a business card, 24 x 45mm, the IM3220 module delivers best-in-class sync quality at less than 1/10th the power of the competitors and only 20-25% of their memory needs.

Smaller footprint on the motherboard, as well as fewer connections and glue components result in the lowest-cost bill of materials.

Industry expert Dr Nick Tredennick says: ‘Unlike microprocessors, such as ARM and PowerPC that were designed for workstation and desktop computing, the IM3220 MCU has been designed and optimised for embedded applications’.

‘Imsys microcontrollers are faster, cheaper, and more power-efficient than complex, high-power, compute-oriented microprocessors that have been adapted to the embedded market’.

‘User programmable on-chip microcode enables Imsys MCUs to adapt efficiently to a broad range of embedded applications’.

The IM3220 represents a new type of platform components from Imsys.

It combines the best features of traditional CISC architectures and efficient use of resources with FPGA flexibility for a predefined application - time synchronisation.

It dramatically reduces the cost of the external (local) oscillator when high precision time is communicated by the IEEE1588 protocol.

The outstanding accuracy of the IM3220 comes from the ability to analyse and act on gate level in real-time.

The IM3220 MCU supports two 10/100 Ethernet ports, three UARTs with 920Kbit/s, I2C or SPI port, and eight DMA channels with a sustained 83Mbyte/s throughput.

Imsys’ complete offering includes RTOS, TCP/IP-stack, fail-safe flash file system, and an IEEE1588 protocol stack.

With Imsys’ full-fledged development system, the customer can concentrate on the application without worrying about software integration problems.

The drop-in module offers the customer low risk development and short time to market.

Based on Intel Q965 and 82945G chipsets, boards support Core Duo and Core 2 Duo processors with up to 1GHz FSB and PCI express architecture

Avalue Technology has developed a full line of industrial mainboards (IMB), including mini-ITX, micro-ATX and ATX form factors for a variety of applications. In addition to providing high quality motherboards based on innovative technologies, Avalue offers a complete customisation OEM/ODM service.

Putting quality first, Avalue products are produced to strict quality control standards regardless of whether customers choose standard models, project based boards or completely tailor-made solutions to meet their needs.

For gaming and medical applications Avalue recommend two models, the ERX965Q and ERX945G.

Based on Intel Q965 and 82945G chipsets, respectively, both boards support Core Duo and Core 2 Duo processors with up to 1GHz FSB and PCI Express architecture; enabling high performance multimedia solutions to be realised with a reduced time to market.

Avalue’s latest IMB supports Intel Core 2 Duo and is suitable for high-definition applications.

The ERX945G provides excellent expansion through its rich I/O set and supports a wide range of Intel processor families.

The ERX965Q uses the Q965 chipset combined with Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000.

This combination delivers smooth high quality visual effects which play an important role in gaming applications.

Furthermore, an 8Gbyte DDR2 RAM capacity and 10 USB 2.0 connections deliver excellent expansion capability opening ERX965Q to an even wider range of potential applications.

Gaming and medical industries focuses on high level audio and video performance which enrich both the game content and user experience.

Both the ERX945G and ERX965Q feature high performance integrated graphical engines and high definition audio, key technologies in delivering amazing video games.

Rich onboard I/O enables a range of real world I/O such as intruder detection, sensors, control pad and buttons, and other security settings.

Avalue’s IMB ranges have a minimum availability of 3 to 5 years.

When a product chipset is phased out, Avalue will issue a formal product discontinuation notice as an end of life (EOL) warning to its customers, 6 months before the product is formally discontinued.

Two DIMM slots of dual-channel DDR II 800 RAM provide ample memory bus bandwidth for demanding applications

Aaeon has released the FSB-960H high-performance, full-size single board computer. Aaeon has developed this full-size SBC based on the latest Intel Q35 Express chipset and the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, to fulfill the increasing demands of multicore processing. The FSB-960H adopts Intel’s dual-core processor at current speeds up to 2.13GHz with 1066MHz FSB to meet a wide range of performance requirements.

In a PICMG 1.3 SHB Express form factor the FSB-960H system host board takes full advantage of the Intel Q35 Express chipset for enhanced system performance and generous expansion capabilities.

Maximising the available PCI Express channels offers the greatest flexibility.

Two DIMM slots of dual-channel DDR II 800 RAM provide ample memory bus bandwidth for demanding applications.

The FSB-960H has been designed for users that require high-performance and reliability for critical applications.

‘Highly complex, embedded applications that require outstanding security and manageability will benefit from high-performance SBCs, such as the Aaeon FSB-960H, using the combination of the Intel Core2 processor with the Intel Q35 Express chipset’, said Joe Jensen, General Manager of Intel’s Embedded Market Division.

The FSB-960H offers up to 11 USB2.0 ports through onboard connectors and out to the backplane via the card edge connector.

It also includes legacy connectors such as Mini-DIN PS/2 keyboard and a mouse connector, one IrDA header and one standard Floppy Disk Drive.

Storage needs are met with support for four SATA II with RAID functionality and a CompactFlash Type II socket capable of supporting bootable flash devices.

The versatile expansion interfaces make the FSB-960H flexible enough to fulfill various application demands.

Heading innovation in display systems, Huntingdon’s Display Solutions has strengthened its partnership with embedded computer systems manufacturer AValue

Huntingdon’s Display Solutions has strengthened its partnership with embedded computer systems manufacturer AValue. The new alliance offers the UK a seamless service from design to delivery, across all embedded sectors but with particular focus on the gaming, kiosk, medical and digital signage markets.

The new initiative will bring UK customers the opportunity to profit from both companies’ technical expertise in the industrial PC arena with the addition of AValue’s research and development resources.

Neil Fanthom, Operations Director for Display Solutions said ‘Customers already benefit from our strong technical ability to help select the most appropriate solution from AValue’s standard product line, in addition we now have the capability to expedite a custom design from concept through to production - and AValue’s very capable engineering team plays a key role in this’.

Projects already in development include those in the digital signage and kiosk sectors, both capitalising on AValue’s ability to adapt and introduce new customer requirements into existing technologies and products.

Martin Whitehead, Systems Manager for Display Solutions says: ‘The advantage of teaming up with Avalue is they combine a terrific existing range of commercial embedded systems with the ability to work with us to develop bespoke systems’.

‘That ability to cover each end of the spectrum is important for maximum scope and solutions delivery’.

In addition to RGB and DVI, the CRTtoLCD-8 flat panel controller board offers composite and S-Video inputs for PAL/NTSC signals, providing comprehensive support for different video sources

Kontron has added the CRTtoLCD-8 flat panel controller to its aFLAT series The Kontron CRTtoLCD-8 has a 12 - 24V power supply and is designed to support industrial applications. The flat panel controller is an interface, convertor and scaler board between graphic sources and flat panels. The Kontron CRTtoLCD-8 is mechanically compatible with the other members of the Kontron CRTtoLCD family, providing a portfolio of flat panel controllers that offers scalable interfaces and performance.

In addition to RGB and DVI, the flat panel controller board offers composite and S-Video inputs for PAL/NTSC signals, providing comprehensive support for different video sources and providing all prevalent flat panels with the right signals.

The Kontron CRTtoLCD-8 is suitable for processing signals from IPCs and video cameras, which are becoming increasingly important for industrial and security applications.

Other application areas include medical devices for endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery, POS/POI terminals and gaming machines.

Designed around the Genesis FLI5961chip, the Kontron CRTtoLCD-8 flat panel controller comes with two 24bit LVDS support for up to two flat panels with a resolution up to SXGA.

There are also a large number of cost-optimised cables for connecting relevant flat panels via the JILI30 interface.

TTL flat panels can also be connected via an adapter cable.

Other flat panels can also be accommodated.

The Kontron CRTtoLCD-8 flat panel controller board is a suitable entry level solution for flat panel convertor boards with video input.

The wide range power supply also provides new connections to industrial applications.

The Kontron CRTtoLCD-7 graphic convertor suits applications that require picture-in-picture, a TV tuner, image rotation, a screen-saver or optimised display of fast moving pictures with adaptive motion deinterlacing.

An on-screen display (OSD) keypad for changing settings and controlling the special properties of the Kontron CRTtoLCD-8 is available.

Alternatively, OSD configuration also can be carried out from a PC via the serial interface.

Once settings are optimised, they can be saved as a file and called up at any time - even for other panels.

This makes the Kontron CRTtoLCD-8 suitable for large series production, since it is not necessary to adjust every single controller manually.

Individual adjustment of the different flat panels takes place, as with other Kontron flat panel controllers, via special ‘panel files’, which guarantee an optimal display.

Individual firmware adjustments also can be made quickly and conveniently with the Kontron Configuration Workbench that has the same look and feel for all new controllers in the aFLAT series.

The ultra-low-power ICOP-6115 is ideal for applications that require a high-end microcontroller without the price and power consumption to match

Designed to operate in extended temperature environments ranging from -40 to +85C, the new ultra-low-power ICOP-6115 from Datasound Laboratories measures just 100 x 66mm and is based on the latest Vortex86SX CPU. Ideal for applications that require a high-end microcontroller without the price and power consumption to match, the ICOP-6115 gives engineers the opportunity to produce this type of application using x86 tools.

The power saving benefits of the board can be seen its consumption of a mere 300mA from a single +5V DC supply.

The module offers everything expected from a modern day system, including 10/100Base-T LAN plus two USB 2.0 ports, four serial ports and 32bit GPIO.

In addition to 2Mbyte of onboard SPI Flash, the unit also has an onboard IDE port supporting IDE Flash drives up to 4Gbyte.

Incorporating a watchdog timer that is programmable from 30.5 to 512s, the RoHS compliant board has a guaranteed production life until at least 2016.

The PC/104 multipurpose adapter is a versatile device that allows users to add Sealevel OEM products including SeaDAC Lite modules and embedded four-port USB hub

Sealevel Systems has released adapter kits that improve the functionality of PC/104 stacks by making it easier to include CompactFlash memory, hard drives and other common devices. The kits are mechanical adapters that mount to the PC/104 stack but do not interface to the stack. The interface is made using the IDE or USB connector on the device being added.

The mounting holes on the adapters are arranged with slots at the corners so the board can be mounted in-line with the PC/104 stack or rotated 180 degrees along the long axis.

The ability to choose two mounting options simplifies cable routing and access to connectors.

The PC/104 adapter kit product line is available as a CompactFlash memory adapter, 2.5in hard drive adapter and a multipurpose adapter.

All kits include standard 0.60in aluminium standoffs for mounting to the PC/104 stack.

The PC/104 CompactFlash adapter allows the user to quickly add a CompactFlash memory card in a PC/104 stack.

The CompactFlash adapter supports Type I and Type II cards, or IBM Microdrives and an on-board jumper allows the user to set the flash drive to master or slave mode.

The adapter connects to the host via an IDE interface and both 40-pin and 44-pin IDE connectors are provided.

The adapter ships with 44-pin IDE ribbon cable and a 40-pin IDE ribbon cable is available as an option.

The adapter provides the additional convenience of push-button card eject and a status LED to visibly monitor drive activity.

A CompactFlash adapter kit with a 1Gbyte memory card is available.

The PC/104 hard drive adapter provides a convenient mounting platform for a 2.5in hard drive.

The PC/104 hard drive adapter includes a 44-pin IDE ribbon cable and hard drive mounting screws.

A PC/104 adapter kit with a 60Gbyte hard drive is available.

The PC/104 multipurpose adapter is a versatile device that allows users to add Sealevel OEM products including SeaDAC Lite modules and embedded four-port USB hub.

SeaDAC Lite modules provide a low I/O count solution in a small PCB form factor and offer convenient expansion of embedded computers using only an internal USB connection.

Models are available with optically isolated inputs, Reed or Form C relay and TTL outputs.

The PC/104 multipurpose adapter includes a rectangular cutout to allow the relays on SeaDAC Lite OEM modules to clear the board so that the module is able to mount very closely to the PC/104 adapter board, further minimising the PC/104 stack height.