Compact SBC embeds a lot in a little

The Triton-ECO single board computer includes a 400MHz PXA255 processor, 16Mbyte SDRAM and 8Mbyte Flash, and measures just 67.6 x 36.6 x 8.5mm.

Designed for embedded applications where low power consumption, small size and low price are critical factors, the Triton-ECO single board computer includes a 400MHz PXA255 processor, 16Mbyte SDRAM and 8Mbyte Flash and measures just 67.6 x 36.6 x 8.5mm.

The module is priced at $99 for quantities of 1000 pieces ($135 for 10-off) and is available for immediate delivery.

Unlike other low-priced PXA255 modules, the ECO's DIMM144 connector allows the designer to access many of the PXA255's built-in peripherals and interfaces, making expansion relatively easy and reducing the design cost.

These include the LCD controller, PCMCIA and CompactFlash controller; together with the IrDA, USB, I2C, I2S, AC97, GPIO and JTAG interfaces.

In addition there are one synchronous serial and three asynchronous serial interfaces.

Requiring a single 3.3V supply, the ECO contains a core power generator with more than 90% efficiency.

Power consumption can be reduced by using a combination of sleep-mode and clock-rate selection.

Power consumption is rated as 3mW in sleep mode and up to 220mW maximum.

The Triton-ECO is supplied with RedBoot firmware pre-installed.

RedBoot is a bootstrap environment that was developed for low-power embedded systems, running applications such as Linux and eCos.

It can be Flash updated and network booted, and it supports Ethernet download and debug.

RedBoot can also retrieve Internet protocol parameters (via BOOTP or DHCP), and program images downloaded using TFTP.

Images can also be downloaded serially, using X-modem or Y-modem communications programs.

The ECO can be supplied with the Triton Development Kit-1.

This is a hardware reference platform that contains a CompactFlash card socket with selectable IDE or CF modes for memory cards or WLAN cards.

There is also an RS232 interface for firmware uploads, a JTAG interface and an onboard 10/100Mbit/s Ethernet controller.

The Kit-1 is supplied with Linux kernel 2.6.3, schematics for the carrier board, RS232 and JTAG cables plus an external power adaptor.

There are now five different Triton PXA255 CPU modules in the range, allowing the designer to choose the most cost-effective price/performance features for their application.

The Triton-UCB uses a 400MHz PXA255 CPU, has 64Mbyte SDRAM, 32Mbyte Flash and includes a UBC1400 stereo codec with touchscreen support.

The Triton-ETN also uses a 400MHz CPU, contains 64Mbyte SDRAM, 32Mbyte Flash and includes a 100Mbit/s Ethernet controller.

The lowest power consumption module is the Triton-LP which uses a 300MHz CPU, 32Mbyte mobile SDRAM, 16Mbyte Flash, has onboard RTC, 10Mbit/s Ethernet and a programmable core generator that allows the user to vary the processor voltage to save power.

The smallest module in the range is the Triton-XXS which measures only 59 x 32 x 6.6mm, yet contains a 400MHz PXA255, 64Mbyte SDRAM, 32Mbyte Flash and also has the programmable core generator.

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