Product category:
PC-Compatible Boards and Assemblies
News Release from: Ampro Computers | Subject: CoreModule 550 module
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 30 March 2005
Module can replace end-of-life
processors
CoreModule 550 is a low-cost migration path from 486-based PC/104 boards as well as an ideal replacement for end-of-life modules using AMD Geode or Transmeta processors.
Ampro Computers, the inventor and leading supplier of PC/104, EBX and EPIC single board computers (SBCs), has announced CoreModule 550, a low-cost migration path from 486-based PC/104 boards as well as an ideal replacement for end-of-life modules using AMD Geode or Transmeta processors The CoreModule 550 offers a choice of proven, long life 300MHz Via Eden ESP 3000 or 1GHz Eden ESP 10000 processors
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 21 May 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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In addition to resistance to shock and vibration, the CoreModule 550 features fanless reliability with a standard operating temperature of 0 to +70 deg C and extended operation from -40 to +85 deg C.
"CoreModule 550 provides a cost effective solution for system OEMs currently using 486-based PC/104 modules looking to improve performance without going to the higher cost and power consumption of Celeron or Pentium III processors," said Joanne Mumola Williams, president and CEO of Ampro.
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"The CoreModule 550, supported by Via's embedded roadmap and proven track record of delivery, delivers much higher performance at a small increment in cost and power." The CoreModule 550 is the latest product built around Ampro's 'Razorback' platform, allowing re-use of the proven ReadyBoard 550 and LittleBoard 550 designs and software.
CoreModule 550 QuickStart Kits come with board support packages (BSPs) such as Windows CE 5.0 and 4.2, QNX, VxWorks, and for Linux a complete GPL distribution.
Embedded enhancements added by Ampro include USB Boot, battery-free boot (in case the battery for CMOS settings fails or is not installed for harsh environments), watchdog timer, serial console, and BIOS recovery.
Optional LAN Boot supports loading the operating system over Ethernet using protocols such as PXE or DHCP.
Unlike the Via C3 processors that are rated up to 15W TDP (Thermal Design Power) and require a cooling fan, the Via Eden ESP processors selected by Ampro for CoreModule 550 have ratings below 7W TDP, making them a much better choice for high reliability applications.
With extended temperature operation and low power Eden CPUs, thermal design is simplified for applications that operate in harsh environments and even those requiring a sealed, airtight enclosure.
Best of all, Ampro's entire CoreModule product line provides a smooth transition from 133MHz STPC Atlas and Elite CPUs to Intel's new 1.0GHz Celeron M 373 at 5W TDP.
Pricing and availability - CoreModule 550 will be available for evaluation within 60 days, with production quantities available within 90 days.
Prices start at the mid-$300's in production quantities.
About Ampro Computers - Ampro Computers is the leading global provider of modular embedded computing solutions for OEM applications.
Ampro's mission is to provide time saving solutions for embedded systems designers that accelerate the product deployment process.
Ampro pioneered the embedded PC industry creating the popular PC/104 and EBX standards, and recently co-invented the new EPIC standard.
The EnCore and ETX families are rugged Computers-on-Modules (COMs) products which enable designers to obtain all the benefits of an off-the-shelf CPU solution while maintaining the flexibility of a full custom design.
In addition to EnCore and ETX, Ampro offers five product lines: PC/104-compatible CoreModule CPUs and MiniModule expansion products, EBX form factor LittleBoard single-board computers (SBCs), EPIC form factor ReadyBoard SBCs and the Mini-ITX form factor MightyBoard.
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