6U Xeon board is scalable multiprocessing platform

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jan 19, 2007

Thales has unveiled its PENTXM4, a twin dual-core Intel Xeon ULV processor version of its popular PENTXM2.

Thales has unveiled its PENTXM4, a twin dual-core Intel Xeon ULV processor version of its popular PENTXM2.

The PENTXM2, introduced in 2006, is the first server class manageable 6U single slot VME single board computer to feature a dual-core processor and a board management controller (BMC).

Both Thales' PENTXM4 and PENTXM2 use the 1.67GHz dual-core Xeon, Intel's most advanced low-power x86 technology, combined with the Intel E7520 server class memory controller hub (MCH).

The PENTXM4 is available with 2Gbyte of DDR2-400 SDRAM.

When paired with the support of VITA 31.1 backplane networking, the PENTXM4's VITA 38 intelligent platform management interface (IPMI) feature provides for easy scaling into a multiprocessing system.

The PENTXM4 provides a dual SATA-150, a triple USB 2.0 port and an EIDE interface for an onboard disk.

Rugged applications will also take benefit of the onboard 4Gbyte Flash disk drive, directly fitted on the board.

"The PENTXM4 represents a significant stride in Thales' technological excellence in multi-processing systems and Intel computing platforms", said Christian Baud, General Manager of Thales' computer activities.

"The processing density of the PENTXM4 meets the computing challenges of extensive symmetrical processing applications such as the ones used in telecommunication and defence electronics markets".

The PENTXM4 runs Red Hat Linux and features an extensible firmware interface (EFI) BIOS/Firmware which is able to boot Linux 2.6, VxWorks, LynxOS, Microsoft Windows, and Red Hat Linux Enterprise operating systems.

The PENTXM4 is available as a stand-alone board component or pre-integrated in large fully switched multi-blade systems (PowerMP6) complete with data transport and management software based on standards such as MPI and HTTP.

The PENTXM4 will be available during the second quarter of 2007.

The PENTXM2 is already available in volume and starts at US $3950 in small volume and subject to specifications.

A rugged conduction-cooled version of the PENTXM2 will be available in the second quarter of 2007.

Both the PENTXM2 and PENTXM4 are covered by Thales Computers' long term supply programme.

This offer guarantees defence customers a multi-year supply of the product beyond its active life, a unique offering for Intel processor-based products.