Starter kit for ARM computing modules

Computer/Embedded Technology

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29 May 2013 Computer/Embedded Technology

With the introduction of Kontron’s new SMARC Starterkit, developers can gain fast entry into the world of embedded ARM processors, which is now highly scalable thanks to SMARC Computer-on-Modules.

The kit comes in a sturdy transport case and has all the cables already connected. It is equipped with all the necessary components, including a display and power supply. All Kontron SMARC Computer-on-Modules can be selected individually. As an option the kit can be delivered with pre-installed module, operating system, board support package and cooling solution. This allows developers to launch into evaluation of their desired ARM platform immediately.

Kontron currently offers a selection of SMARC specification conform module families based on ARM Cortex A9 and A8 processors from Freescale, Texas Instruments and Nvidia.

The Freescale i.MX6-based Kontron SMARC-sAMX6 and the Texas Instruments AM3874-based Kontron SMARC-sA3874i modules are designed for industrial temperature ranges of -40°C to 85°C, a common requirement for transportation, mobile, military and other rugged environmental applications.

The Nvidia Tegra 3-based Computer-on-Module Kontron SMARC-sAT30 is ideal for graphic-hungry applications such as found in the POS/POI and medical markets. All the SMARC designs meet the market demand for a compact Computer-on-Module with a standardised feature set and low power consumption of only a few watts. Application areas range from mobile devices to onboard equipment and solar or conventional powered stationary devices.

The cabled SMARC Starterkit comes in a sturdy aluminium case and includes an 18 cm WVGA touch screen display (800 x 480), a 5 V wide range power unit and the SMARC evaluation carrier board, which offers all the relevant interfaces defined by the SMARC Computer-on-Module standard.

The range of interfaces includes LVDS and HDMI, as well as CSI and parallel camera ports. Networking features include Gigabit Ethernet, CAN Bus, serial interfaces and a SIM card socket. Extension options are available for Mini-PCIe, PCIe, mSATA and eMMC (microSD Card). A USB hub and an acceleration sensor are also integrated on the board.

The SMARC Evaluation Carrier supports flexible power options including Li-Ion battery power with recharging circuitry as well as traditional benchtop power supply. All documentation is provided on a USB drive for this application-ready kit.

For more information visit www.kontron.com

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Starter kit for ARM computing modules

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