The Meridian CPU integrates a Freescale i.MXS processor, RAM, flash, and power supply into a surface-mountable component less than 35 square mm, according to the company.


Top and bottom views of Meridian CPU
(Click each image for larger view)
EmbeddedFusion says the Meridian is a "perfect replacement" for 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers in high-volume applications. The application-specific baseboard onto which the Meridian is mounted can be as simple as two layers since all components requiring a multi-layer design are isolated on the CPU module.

Targeted applications, according to the company, include home automation controllers, in-vehicle terminals, smart embedded displays, security/access control terminal, and Windows Vista "SideShow" displays.

According to Microsoft, the .NET Micro Framework (.NET MF) is a natural extension of its embedded software product line, bringing the efficiency and reliability of a managed code environment to very small devices with tight constraints on cost, memory, processing resources, and/or power consumption. Additionally, .NET MF's integration with Visual Studio will optimize software development efficiency, by providing PC emulation capabilities and on-device debugging within the Visual Studio IDE. User interface development is supported with Windows Presentation Foundation.

EmbeddedFusion CTO Steve Maillet adds, "The .NET Micro Framework is a significant new tool in building embedded systems. Developers can use C# to write more reliable code compared with C or assembler, and they have a fantastic development environment in Visual Studio."


Meridian CPU block diagram
EmbeddedFusion lists the following key features and specifications for the Meridian CPU:

• Processor -- 100 MHz Freescale i.MXS (ARM920T)
  
• Memory -- 8 MB SDRAM, 2 MB flash standard (1 to 8 MB offered)
  
• Display -- connector for 2.7-inch TFT
  
• Communication ports:
  • USB Function
    
  • 2 UARTs -- TTL levels, Tx, Rx, RTS, CTS
    
  • I2C
    
  • SPI
• GPIO:
  • minimum 16 GPIO pins available
    
  • most pins are configurable as GPIO if not used for other purposes
• Power -- 5 volt input can be powered from USB Function port

The Meridian CPU module is available in production quantities now, according to EmbeddedFusion. Pricing starts at $39 in quantities of 10,000.

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