Avalue's EPI-QM57 uses the 6.5 x 4.5-inch EPIC (Embedded Platform for Industrial Computing) form factor dating back to 2004, but brings it up to the minute by adopting two dual-core Core i7 processors announced by Intel last week. Details of these, previously provided by the chipmaker, are as follows:

• The Core i7-620LE has a basic clock speed of 2.0GHz, a TurboBoost speed of 2.80GHz, and a 25-Watt TDP
• The Core i7-620UE has a basic clock speed of 1.06GHz, a TurboBoost speed of 2.13GHz, and an 18-Watt TDP

On Avalue's new EPIC module, either of these processors -- with on-board graphics -- is accompanied by Intel's QM57 Express chipset, plus up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM housed in a 204-pin DIMM slot. The SBC accepts on-board storage via a Type I/II CompactFlash slot, and caters for connection of hard disk drives via an EIDE port and four SATA ports, the company says.


Avalue's EPI-QM57
(Click to enlarge)

The EPI-QM57 has a coastline, pictured above, that includes a DVI port, two gigabit Ethernet ports, audio (mic/line in, line out), and four USB 2.0 ports. The device's other interfaces, apparently all provided by pin headers, are said to include four additional USB 2.0 ports, 8-bit GPIO, an IrDA port, two serial ports (1 x RS232, 1 x RS232/422/485), PS/2 keyboard and mouse, and an LVDS connector.

Avalue said the EPI-QM57 is also available with two build options. One is an ExpressCard/34 slot, while the other is a touchscreen interface that employs the PenMount 6000 chipset and can support 4-, 5-, or 8-wire devices.

Another view of the EPI-QM57
(Click to enlarge)

According to Avalue, the EPI-QM57 supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, and 10. Meanwhile, it's said, the device offers Intel Active Management Technology 6.0, offering optimized system management capability even if the power is off.

Avalue touts the EPI-QM57 as being suitable for a range of applications, including medical instruments, point-of-sale/kiosk machines, digital signage, surveillance devices, automation controllers and military systems. The board is compatible with Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded, Windows Vista, Windows Embedded for Point of Sale Systems, and Linux, the company adds.

Specifications listed by Avalue for the EPI-QM57 include the following:

• Processor -- Intel Core i7-620LE (2.0/2.8GHz) and i7-620UE (1.06/2.13GHz) processors
• Chipset -- Intel QM57 Express
• Memory -- Up up 4GB of DDR3 RAM via 204-pin DIMM slot
• Expansion:
  • Type I/II CompactFlash slot
  • ExpressCard/34 slot (optional)
• Networking -- 2 x gigabit Ethernet
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x DVI
  • audio (mic/line in, line out)
  • 8 x USB 2.0 (4 external, 4 internal)
  • 2 x serial (1 x RS232, 1 x RS232/422/485)
  • IrDA
  • 8-bit GPIO
  • LVDS
  • PS/2 keyboard/mouse
  • touchscreen interface (optional)
• Operating temperature -- 32 to 140 deg. F (0 to 60 deg. C)
• Dimensions -- 6.5 x 4.5 inches (165 x 115mm)
• Weight -- 0.4 pounds (0.18kg)

Further information

Avalue did not cite pricing or availability information for the EPI-QM57. More information on the device may be found on the company's website, here.

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