Computer/Embedded Technology


PC/104-expandable small form factor embedded computing solution

9 August 2006 Computer/Embedded Technology

The ETX Baseboard System from Diamond Systems provides a flexible platform for creating a custom embedded system using standard components. It combines four Diamond Systems PC/104 I/O modules (analog I/O, digital I/O, serial ports, and DC-DC power supply) plus advanced high-speed I/O (Gigabit Ethernet, S-ATA) on a single board to reduce size and speed up system integration.

The baseboard has an ETX CPU socket on the bottom and PC/104-Plus expansion on top. It enables users to incorporate their choice of ETX CPU as the computing engine, so they can select the right processor for the application. The baseboard makes the ETX I/O available on pin headers along the front edge of the board. These headers can be used with cables for a custom packaging solution, or they may be used with a novel panel I/O board that brings the I/O out to the front panel of the Diamond Systems enclosure.

Bottom side of baseboard showing ETX CPU and CompactFlash socket
Bottom side of baseboard showing ETX CPU and CompactFlash socket

The on-board DC-DC power supply accepts input voltages of 6-28 V d.c. (customisable). The system can also operate on 5 V d.c. input, bypassing the DC-DC supply.

Advantages

The ETX baseboard is an ideal solution for mid-volume projects of 100-500 units per year, where alternative solutions such as PC/104 systems require too many boards and cables. It also a good fit for high-volume projects above 500 per year, where a short development schedule or scarce resources prohibit the development of a custom baseboard.

The ETX Baseboard System combines four Diamond Systems PC/104 I/O modules (analog I/O, digital I/O, serial ports, and power supply) plus high-speed I/O (Gigabit Ethernet, S-ATA) onto a single board to reduce size and speed integration
The ETX Baseboard System combines four Diamond Systems PC/104 I/O modules (analog I/O, digital I/O, serial ports, and power supply) plus high-speed I/O (Gigabit Ethernet, S-ATA) onto a single board to reduce size and speed integration

Users can select the performance, price, and power consumption that fits their application without being confined to a single vendor's CPU offering. Since ETX CPUs are essentially 100% interchangeable, an ETX-based solution lets one switch CPUs with little or no redesign and minimal requalification effort.

The baseboard is a compact solution since it includes the functionality of up to four PC/104 I/O modules on a single board. The complete system offers the equivalent of a 5-board PC/104 stack but occupies the height of only a single PC/104 board. The baseboard includes PC/104-Plus expansion to enable easy customisation with the addition of PC/104 and PC/104-Plus I/O modules.

Most ETX CPU I/O is available on a panel I/O board that brings all the I/O out to industry-standard connectors on the front of the enclosure (cable-free). The board may also be used with cables for applications where a different connector scheme is desired.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Microsoft Windows IoT on ARM
Altron Arrow Computer/Embedded Technology
This expansion means that the Windows IoT ecosystem can now harness the power of ARM processors, known for their energy efficiency and versatility.

Read more...
Hardened-grade network switches
CST Electronics Computer/Embedded Technology
Lantronix’s hardened switches provide Layer 2 or Layer 3 networking, and are available as Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) or Power-over-Ethernet Plus (PoE+).

Read more...
Switched mezzanine card for enhanced Ethernet connectivity
Rugged Interconnect Technologies Computer/Embedded Technology
The TXMC897 sets a new standard in high-speed Ethernet communication, with advanced features and flexibility.

Read more...
Ryzen V3000 computer on module
Altron Arrow Computer/Embedded Technology
SolidRun has recently announced the launch of its new Ryzen V3000 CX7 Com module, configurable with the eight-core/16-thread Ryzen Embedded V3C48 processor.

Read more...
1.6T Ethernet IP solution to drive AI and hyperscale data centre chips
Computer/Embedded Technology
As artificial intelligence (AI) workloads continue to grow exponentially, and hyperscale data centres become the backbone of our digital infrastructure, the need for faster and more efficient communication technologies becomes imperative. 1.6T Ethernet will rapidly be replacing 400G and 800G Ethernet as the backbone of hyperscale data centres.

Read more...
Maximising edge computing
Computer/Embedded Technology
Senao Networks has announced its launch of its SX904 SmartNIC based on the Intel NetSec Accelerator Reference Design.

Read more...
Duxbury unveils next-gen solar-powered switches
Computer/Embedded Technology
These powerful solar-powered switches are ideal for any environment requiring reliable Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capabilities.

Read more...
UFS Ver. 4.0 embedded Flash memory devices
EBV Electrolink Computer/Embedded Technology
KIOXIA Europe has announced sampling of the industry’s first Universal Flash Storage (UFS) version 4.0 embedded Flash memory devices designed for automotive applications.

Read more...
Powering factory automation into the future
Rugged Interconnect Technologies Computer/Embedded Technology
Powered by the newest 13th Gen Intel processors, ADLINK Technology’s COM-HPC-cRLS module is a future-proof edge AI solution.

Read more...
Linux OS with immutable file system
Computer/Embedded Technology
What really sets VanillaOS apart from others, however, is in security, where it takes a new approach to computing by using an immutable file system for improved security and stability.

Read more...