ZF Micro Solutions is shipping an open source reference design for a low-cost, low-power, embedded control PC. The Linux-compatible ZFx86 Easy Embedded PC System (EEPC) design is built around a "failsafe" ZFx86 SoC, consumes under five Watts, and offers multiple I/O connectors, says the company.The EEPC is intended for developing an embedded control PC with a $100 target BOM (bill of materials) in volumes of 10K, says the company. The schematics and software for the EEPC design are posted as a free open source download, says the fabless semiconductor company. ZF Micro also sells a complete development kit for Linux or Windows CE for $600, and a parts starter kit is said to be available for $120 from ZF distributors.
ZFx86 Easy Embedded PC System (EEPC)
(Click to enlarge)
As the EEPC's full name implies, the design is based on ZF Micro's venerable ZFx86 SoC (see diagram below), clocked at 100MHz. The x86-based SoC was launched back in 2000 as the
"MachZ", only to sputter under
product name- and company changes in 2002. The ZFx86
bounced back to life in 2005 with the help of a new IBM fabrication deal.
ZFx86 block diagram
(Click to enlarge)
The ZFx86 is based on a 32-bit, 486-compatible x86 processor clockable up to 133MHz. Other features include PCI and ISA bus controllers; USB, serial, and parallel ports; general purpose I/O lines; and PC-compatible keyboard/mouse, IrDA, floppy, and hard drive interfaces. Display and networking functions are not included, and require the addition of external chipsets.
EEPC top view
(Click to enlarge)
The ZFx86 is billed as a "failsafe" SoC due to its internal ZF BIOS which is based on a Phoenix Technologies kernel. The BIOS, which is included with the EEPC with a free license, offers a ROM update feature that ensures that a system will always be accessible, even if all flash memory has been corrupted, says the company.
EEPC side view
(Click to enlarge)
The 7 x 10-inch EEPC board includes a 100MHz ZFx86 with 128MB RAM, and a 128MB solid state drive (SSD). The board is equipped with a
Silicon Motion SM712 video controller with integrated memory (4MB), supporting dual VGA and LCD operation, says ZF Micro.
Another side of the EEPC
(Click to enlarge)
The board supplies a 10/100 Ethernet port, as well as connectors for serial, USB, PS2, and other I/O (see spec list below). ISA and PCI connectors are provided for hosting additional adapters, says ZF Micro.
ZF Micro's full development kit includes a fully assembled and tested board, plus documentation, drivers, and licensed software, says the company. The design is said to be based on components with long-life production commitments from ZF and other suppliers. The free design package, meanwhile, includes OrCad schematics, PadsPCB layout files, and a BOM spreadsheet.
Specifications listed for the EEPC board design include:
- Processor -- ZFx86 @ 100MHz with ZF BIOS; 486 DX4 with FPU and 8K L1 cache
- Memory -- 128MB of 32-bit SDRAM (quad 2M x 32 DRAM)
- Storage -- 128MB SSD with IDE interface (either Apacer ADC II or SST NAND Drive SST85LD0128); DR DOS 7.03 pre-installed
- Display -- Silicon Motion SM712 video controller with integrated memory (4MB), supporting up to 1024 x 768 resolution and dual VGA and LCD display
- Networking -- 10/100 integrated MAC/PHY (Realtek RTL8139DL)
- Other I/O:
- 1 x VGA
- 1 x RS232
- 1 x parallel
- 1 x Ethernet (RJ45 connector)
- RS232 10-pin (COM2)
- LCD 40-pin
- PS2 keyboard/mouse
- 2 x USB
- 2 x IDE 40-pin
- Floppy 34-pin
- Z-tag header
- Expansion:
- Other features -- 56Kbps Radicom modem; uses one COM2 RS232 port
- Power -- Linear Technology LT1963A ATX power supply, with 1.5A output current and 340mV dropout voltage; 5 Watt power consumption
- Operating temperature -- 32 to 158 deg. F (0 to 70 deg. C)
- Dimensions -- 10 x 7 inches
- Operating system -- Linux; Windows CE
Availability
The EEPC design is available now, with a free design package including source code, from ZF Micro, here. The complete development kit is available from ZF for $600, including EEPC board. A "parts starter kit" is available for $120 from ZF authorized distributors listed here.
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