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        Embedded development kit packs PXA270 module

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Oct 31, 2007 | Comments: 1


        Phytec and Adeneo have collaborated on a low cost "Acceleration Kit" for Windows CE 6.0. The kit includes an ARM-based processor module and carrier board, an LCD with integrated touch panel, and access to the Windows CE BSP (board support package) source code, according to the companies.



        (Click for larger view of the PhyCore PXA270 SBC)

        The processor module is Phytec's previously released PhyCore PXA270 SBC (single-board computer). This 2.2 x 2.8-inch module is based on a Marvell PXA270 processor running at 520 MHz, and includes 128 or 256 MB of SDRAM and 32 or 64 MB of flash.

        The PhyCore PXA270 module offers the following interfaces:
        • MMC/SD expansion interface
        • 3 x serial ports
        • 10/100 Mbit Ethernet
        • CAN 2.0B SJA1000 field bus interface
        • USB Host/Client ports
        • SPI GPIO expander with 28 digital I/O lines
        • JTAG interface
        Also included in the Acceleration Kit is Phytec's PCM-969 carrier board, which integrates various I/O interface components and connectors. According to the companies, once the PhyCore module has been programmed, it can be removed from the carrier board and inserted into a target hardware application.

        Features of the PCM-969 carrier board, as listed by Phytec, include:
        • Molex high-density SlimStack interconnect for mating with the PhyCore PXA270
        • Display interfaces:
          • Connector for 3.5-inch QVGA LCD touchscreen (Hitachi TX09D71VM1CCA)
          • Connector for 5.7-inch landscape LCD (PrimeView PD057VU5)
        • Audio:
          • AC '97 audio/touch controller (Wolfson WM9712L)
          • mic in; line in/out; PC speaker out
          • small beeper for audio signal
        • Other I/O:
          • DB-9 for RS-232 interface from FF-UART
          • 2.54 mm pin header for RS-232 or TTL level from BT-UART
          • RJ-45 Ethernet connector with transformer for 100/10 MBit/s
          • USB 1.1 Host interface (from PXA270)
          • USB 1.1 Client interface (from PXA270)
          • RTC on PXA270 I2C bus
          • JTAG interface
          • User GPIO port
        Other features of the board reportedly include user-programmable LEDs, a high-brightness white LED, a matrix keyboard interface, and a camera interface that accepts a variety of Phytec's camera modules.


        Phytec's Acceleration Kit
        (Click to enlarge)

        In addition to the PhyCore PXA270 SBC and PCM-969 carrier board, the Acceleration Kit also includes a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD (the Hitachi model mentioned above), serial and Ethernet cables, and an AC power adapter, according to the company. It also includes a preinstalled Windows CE 6.0 image, plus free 90-day source code access to the PhyCore PXA270 BSP.


        Phytec's Acceleration Kit with camera module

        The companies add that the carrier board PCB is scored so it can be cut in half, separating the "display side" from the "connector side." The display side can then be flipped around to the backside of the "connector side" board, and the two boards can be bolted together. The illustration above shows this configuration with Phytec's optional VM-007 camera module.

        According to Phytec and Adeneo, the Acceleration Kit will be available in November, priced at approximately $600. More information is available on Phytec's website, here.


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