Half-size CPU boards provide budget ePCI-X intro

Two new CPU boards are based on the latest fast ePCI-X standard.

Kontron has extended its PICMG 1.2 product range with two new CPU boards that are based on the new, fast ePCI-X standard.

The ePCI-101 hosts an Intel Pentium M processor, which is part of the Intel Centrino mobile technology package, and the ePCI-102 is based on a Via Eden processor.

The two half-size boards are inexpensive ePCI-X entry-level modules, which are optimised to provide a wide range of applications with the appropriate fanless performance: from genuine 733MHz operation to a performance level that is comparable to that of a 2.7GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor.

The ePCI-101 and ePCI-102 have been designed for use in embedded applications such as point-of-sale terminals, network security devices, measurement and control technology and automation solutions.

They are part of an evolutionary development path for users of Viper boards and are comparable to half-size ISA products, which enables migration towards higher performance ePCI-X products - such as ePCI-200 or future developments, should the need arise.

As the ePCI-101 is based on the Pentium M processor, it combines the highest level of performance with a low power consumption, which makes it the optimal choice for embedded applications that require powerful processing with passive cooling only.

The performance of a Pentium M processor is equivalent to that of a Pentium 4 processor, but with the power consumption of a Pentium III processor.

As this performance is delivered with the Pentium M processor running at a much lower clock frequency than the Pentium 4 processor (1.6GHz in comparison with 2.4 to 2.7GHz), the processor is able to remain comparatively cool, even during periods of heavy usage.

The ePCI-101 includes the 855 GME chipset and it can host both the 1.1 and 1.6GHz versions of the Pentium M processor.

The board provides extensive connectivity options: six USB 2.0 interfaces, two 10/100Mbit Ethernet interfaces, two serial and a parallel interface enable the ePCI-101 to communicate effectively with both its local and remote environments.

The maximum memory capacity is 1Gbyte of DDR-SDRAM.

Storage media can be connected via an Ultra DMA/33/66/100 interface, one CompactFlash and two floppy interfaces.

Support for Intel Extreme Graphics II is included in the chipset.

A mouse and keyboard are attached via the usual PS/2 connector.

As Via CPUs are in general more cost-effective and less power consuming than comparable Pentium III chips, the ePCI-102 hosts either the 733MHz Via Eden or the 1.2GHz Via Antaur processor.

The new board can accommodate up to 512Mbyte of PC133 SDRAM.

An integrated PR Savage 4 controller with CRT and flat-panel support provides fast VGA graphics.

Mass storage is connected via the Ultra DMA/100 HDD interface and a CompactFlash socket.

A 10/100Base-Tx Ethernet interface provides fast network connectivity.

Other interfaces include four USBs, PS/2 mouse and keyboard, one floppy, one parallel and one serial.

The ePCI-102 will be available beginning in mid-November, at a price starting at Eur 259 for OEM volumes.

The ePCI-101 will be available from January 2004, with a price starting at Eur 399 for OEM volumes, excluding the processor and memory.

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