Tough SBC offered with dual-core Atom and PCI Express expansion
By Jonathan Angel
2011-05-05
Article Rating: / 1
| Rate This Article: |
Add This Article To: |
|
|
Kontron announced a PCI/104-Express SBC (single board computer) with Intel's single-core Atom D425 or dual-core D525. The Microspace MSM-LP includes up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, one IDE port and two SATA ports, LVDS and VGA video, four serial ports, six USB 2.0 ports, and two gigabit Ethernet ports, the company says.Kontron's Microspace MSM-LP joins the stampede of SBCs using Intel Atom D425 or D525 processors -- see our previous coverage for CPU power consumption and other details -- but marches to its own drummer as well, with the inclusion of PCI/104-Express expansion. Relatively uncommon, PCI/104-Express is a descendant of the PC/104 (ISA-only), PC/104-Plus (ISA and PCI), and PCI-104 (PCI-only) standards.
Kontron's Microspace MSM-LP
According to Kontron, the 4 x 3.54-inch Microspace MSM-LP includes two downward-facing (hence, not visible in the photo above) expansion connectors, one for PCI Express x16 and one for PCI. The company adds that an optional version includes only the PCI connector (presumably qualifying that version of the SBC as a mere PCI-104 product, though Kontron doesn't use the terminology).
Despite being clocked at 1.8GHz and available with a dual-core processor, the Microspace MSM-LP is said to withstand temperatures from 32 to 158 deg. F, and from -40 to 185 deg. F in an optional extended-temperature version. The SBC is suitable for harsh environments, including applications in the automation and transportation markets, according to Kontron.
Kontron says the MSM-LP accepts up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM via a single SODIMM socket, and is available with an optional onboard solid state disk as large as 16GB. Disk drives may be connected via IDE or one of the SBC's two SATA ports, the company adds.
Like other SBCs of its type, the MSM-LP provides some of its interfaces over its expansion connectors, and the others via headers designed to be used with a cable kit. Kontron did not provide a block diagram or other details of which signals are routed to where, but does say that two USB 2.0 ports are provided via the PCI Express connector, while four USB 2.0 ports are provided via headers.
Other signals that pass to and from the Microspace MSM-LP, one way or another, are said to include LVDS and CRT video, four serial ports, two gigabit Ethernet ports, and high-definition audio. The SBC supports Linux, Windows, VxWorks, and other operating systems upon request, Kontron adds.
Specifications listed by Kontron for the Microspace MSM-LP include:
- Processor -- Intel Atom D425 or D525 clocked at 1.6GHz
- Chipset -- ICH-8M
- Memory -- up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM, plus SSD in 4GB, 16GB, or 32GB capacities
- Expansion -- PCI and PCI Express x16 (also available with only PCI)
- Networking -- 2 x gigabit Ethernet
- Other I/O:
- 6 x USB 2.0 (2 via PCI Express, 4 via headers)
- 4 x serial
- VGA
- LVDS
- high-definition audio
- Power -- n/s
- Operating range -- 32 to 158 deg. F or -40 to 185 deg. F
- Dimensions -- 4 x 3.54 inches (102 x 90mm)
Further information
According to Kontron, the Microspace MSM-LP will begin sampling this month, while general availability will be during the third quarter. More information may be found on the Microspace MSM-LP product page.
Jonathan Angel can be followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.
Related stories:
FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.
Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.
Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.
Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.
High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.
Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.
Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.
Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper. |
|
|
|
news feed
