Embedded CPU is easier to interface

With integration level of ICs offering the possibility to pack a complete computer on very small PCB form factor we have seen the creation of many new proprietary form factors targeting the replacement of the venerable old PC-104 mezzanine concept. These new formats include ETX, E2Brain, DIMM-PC, EPIC, X-Board etc (many of them were invented by Kontron). These computers on modules (COMs) or systems on modules (SOMs) are designed to help the final user to build his or her own system without the burden of designing the CPU part of the project but to focus on the application specific carrier.

This is a smart approach, but most of these new products use very high density connectors.

This makes the carrier board PCB very difficult to design and means that these COMs or SOMs cannot be used in a prototyping environment.

Now Actis Computer has developed a novel concept based on a compact (but not too small) 32bit PowerPC SBC with all the most common interfaces, memory equipment and a peripheral extension bus available through a flat cable connection for easy integration with user specific I/O boards or even wire-wrap prototype boards.

The module is based on a AMCC/IBM PowerPC 405GPr at 266MHz with only 1W of power dissipation, 64Mbyte of SDRAM, 8Mbyte Flash, 64Kbyte SRAM with battery backup, a CompactFlash socket, a Fast Ethernet port, a RS232 serial port, a 32bit/66MHz peripheral bus extension on a HE10 connector.

A dual Serial ATA controller is available for high volume storage applications.

To make this new kit even price attractive, it can be purchased with a complete Embedded Linux software package including a BSP and a crossdevelopment environment which can run on a simple PC.