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        PC/104-Plus SBC uses eight Watts

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Sep 9, 2008 | Comments: 1



        VersaLogic has modified one of its long-running single-board computers (SBCs) to operate fanlessly, using just eight Watts of power. The PC-104/Plus-based Cheetah EPM-32v runs Windows CE and Windows XP Embedded, targeting low-power embedded applications in medicine, avionics, or security, according to the...


        company.

        (Click here for a larger view of VersaLogic's Cheetah EPM-32v)

        VersaLogic's Cheetah, first introduced in April 2006 with a 1.6GHz Pentium M processor, is a two-module PC/104-Plus boardset. Its separate 3.8 x 3.6 inch processor and I/O boards provide two serial ports, two USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, IDE, a parallel port, audio, and PS/2 keyboard/mouse support. The Cheetah also features support for both analog monitors and LVDS flat-panels, according to the company.

        Earlier this year, VersaLogic revamped the Cheetah to comply with the European Union's RoHS directive, adopting lead-free solder, reformulated plastics, and other changes. The modified board, seen below left, was readily identifiable by its switch to a red circuit board. While the revised, 1.6GHz Cheetah had no functional changes from the 2006 original, it also became available in both standard- (0 to 60 deg. C) or extended-temperature (-40 to 85 deg. C) versions.


        VersaLogic's Cheetah, in 1.6GHz Pentium (left) and fanless 1.0GHz Celeron M (right) versions
        (Click to enlarge)

        Now, the Cheetah has been tweaked again in a new EPM-32v variant, which adopts a 1.0GHz ULV (ultra low voltage) Celeron M processor. As a new photo (above right) shows, the device can now do without a fan, and it uses just eight Watts of power, claims VersaLogic.

        As before, the SBC includes a CompactFlash socket, plus a PC/104-Plus interface that supports both ISA and PCI add-on modules. Standard pass-through connectors allow the board to be used above other PC/104 modules, the company adds.

        Features and specifications listed by VersaLogic for the Cheetah EPM-32v include:
        • Processor -- 1.0GHz Celeron ULV processor
        • Memory -- Up to 1GB of 266MHz PC2100 RAM or 333MHz PC2700 DDR RAM
        • Display -- Supports analog displays up to 2048 x 1536, or LVDS displays up to 1024 x 768
        • Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
        • Other I/O:
          • 2 x USB 2.0
          • 1 x IDE (supports up to two devices)
          • 1 x RS232
          • 1 x RS232/422/485
          • Parallel interface, bi-directional/EPP/ECP/floppy mode compatible.
          • AC '97 audio, with stereo line in/out
          • PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports
        • Expansion:
          • CompactFlash shot
          • PC/104 connector
          • PC/104-Plus connector
        • Operating temperature -- 0 to 60 deg. C
        • Dimensions -- Dual-board set, 3.55 x 3.775 inches, with 0.2-inch overhangs in designated connector areas
        According to VersaLogic, the Cheetah EPM-32v is available now for $1,170. It is compatible with Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded, Windows CE, QNX, DOS, and Linux, according to the company.



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