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        ETX CPU module outputs HDTV

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Aug 13, 2007 | Comments: 1


        Adlink has released a compact CPU board claimed compliant with version 3.02 of Kontron's ETX "computer-on-module" form-factor spec. The ETX-GLX is based on an AMD Geode LX 800 processor, offers optional HDTV output, supports Windows XP Embedded, and targets applications requiring "a long production life," the company said.



        ETX version 3 added two SATA port connectors to ETX modules while touting full backward compatibility with revision 2.x designs.


        Adlink's ETX-GLX

        Based on the 500 MHz Geode LX 800 processor and CS5536 companion chipset, the 3.7 x 4.5-inch ETX-GLX is supports up to 1 GB of DDR 400 RAM in a single SODIMM socket. Versions are also available that come with either 128 MB or 256 MB of memory soldered directly onto the module.

        Adlink says the ETX-GLX supports analog CRT monitors up to a resolution of 1920 x 1440 pixels, and single or dual channel 24-bit LVDS panels at a maximum resolution of 1600 x 1200. It can optionally be equipped with a Focus Enhancements Focus FS 455 TV encoder chip, said to support high-definition TV (HDTV) output at 480p, 720p, and 1080i resolutions.


        The Focus FS 455 TV encoder chip

        In accordance with the ETX v3.02 specification, the ETX-GLX features a dual-port SATA controller, along with an EIDE controller that supports both PIO and UDMA modes. The board's Award BIOS provides the ability to redirect video and keyboard data to another system via the serial port, Adlink said.

        Specifications include:
        • Processor -- AMD Geode LX 800 clocked at 500 MHz, 128K of L2 cache
        • Memory:
          • SODIMM slot accepts up to 1 GB
          • Module available with 128 MB or 256 MB soldered on board
        • Video:
          • Chipset integrated in Geode LX, with up to 16 MB VRAM
          • CRT resolutions, 1920 x 1440 pixels @ 85Hz or 1600 x 1200 @ 100 Hz
          • LVDS, supporting 24-bit TFT resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 @ 60 Hz
          • TV-out (optional) via Focus FS455, supports NTSC/PAL and HDTV
        • Audio -- Realtek ALC655, 16-bit, full-duplex AC '97 Rev. 2.3
        • Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet via Intel 82551 chipset, PXE optional
        • Other I/O ports:
          • 1 x SATA for up to 2 ATAPI devices with UDMA support
          • 2 x EIDE for up to 4 ATAPI devices with UDMA support
          • 1 x USB 2.0
          • 2 x high-speed RS-232C serial ports
          • 2 x PS/2, keyboard and mouse
          • LPT/floppy port (shared)
        • Dimensions -- 3.7 x 4.5 inches (95 x 114 mm)
        • Operating temperature -- 0 to 60 degrees C (32 to 140 degrees F)
        The RoHS-compliant ETX-GLX comes with board-support package (BSP) support for Windows XP Embedded and Windows XP, as well as Linux and Vxworks, according to the company.

        Availability

        Small quantities of the ETX-GLX are available now, for $299, with production shipments to follow later this month, Adlink said.


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