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        CE 5.0 dev kit features multi-chip ARM9 module

        Staff | Date: Nov 10, 2008 | Comments: 1


        Shenzhen, China-based Embest Info & Tech is sampling an ARM9 board for handheld devices, POS (point-of-sales/service) kiosks, HMIs (human-machine interfaces), medical tools, and intelligent instruments.

        Sampling in a "Developer Kit" with metal case, touchscreen, and Windows CE 5.0, the SBC2442-I uses Samsung's S3C2442 MCM (multi-chip module).

        (Click for larger view of the DevKit2442-I)

        The SBC2442-I builds on Embest's SBC-2440 series, comprised of four different boards based on Samsung's S3C2440A SoC. Compared to the 2440, the 2442 Samsung processor used on the new Embest board adds an "MTCMOS library" for lower power usage. It also boasts a multi-chip module (MCM) packaging format, to reduce board footprint, Samsung says. The chip targets smart phones, wireless PDAs, and other mobile handheld devices.


        Embest SBC2442-I board drawing
        (Click to enlarge)


        Embest's SBC2442-I measures 4.4 x 3.4 inches (111 87mm), and uses an S3C2442 MCM that stacks a 400 MHz ARM920T based SoC processor together with 64MB of SDRAM and 128MB of NAND flash. Along with standard PC-style I/O, the board boasts 36 digital I/O lines, and a four-channel ADC (analog-digital converter) port suitable for use with a "multichannel data acquisition system." The DAQ system is said to support voltage, blood pressure, temperature, and other analog sensors.

        Specifications listed by Embest for the SBC2442-I SBC include:
        • Processor: Samsung S3C2442 processor, operating frequency 400MHz @1.33V
        • 64MB SDRAM, 128MB Nandflash (stacked with processor in MCM package)
        • Display:
          • "Standard" VGA display port (CH7005)
          • 1 x TFT-LCD display port and touch panel port
        • I/O:
          • 1 x parallel port (for printer)
          • 2 x 3-wire RS232 serial ports
          • 1 x 5-wire RS232 serial port
          • 1 x 10/100Mbps Ethernet port
          • 4 x USB2.0 host full-speed ports
          • 1 x USB2.0 device full-speed port
          • 55 Keypad port
          • 36GPI/O and four-channel ADC input ports
          • 4 x programmable LEDs
        • Expansion: SD card slot
        • Power: +5V and +12V DC power input port
        • Other: RTC with a backup battery
        • Size: 4.4 x 3.4 inches (111 87mm)
        • Working Temp. : 0 to 70 degrees C
        • Supporting Windows CE.net 5.0
        Development Kit

        To evaluate the SBC2442-I board, commercial users are expected to buy the Devkit2442-I Kit version, Embest says. The kit adds a metal case and with a top-mounted 6.4-inch, VGA (640x480) TFT-LCD with a 4-wire resistive touchscreen. Several larger touchscreens also appear to be supported, although all have VGA resolution.


        DevKit2442-I
        (Click to enlarge)


        The Kit includes the following interface connections, according to Embest:
        • 3 x RS232 serial ports
        • 1 x 10/100Mbps Ethernet port
        • 4 x USB host ports and 1 x device port
        • 1 x 15-pin VGA port
        • 20-pin JTAG port
        • 36GPI/O (+3.3V)
        • Four-channel ADC input port
        • SD card slot
        • +5V and +12V power input port
        • An indication LED for power
        Availability

        The SBC2442-I is sampling now, priced at $160 pre-loaded with Windows CE 5.0. Source code is available on request. The Devkit2442-I is also sampling, priced at $600. More details may be found on Embest's product page, here.

        Embest distributes ARM's RealView developer tools in Asia, and recently benefited from an equity investment by the U.K. based embedded processor core and IP (intellectual property) vendor.


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