WinSystems has done a great job demonstrating how well the new
EPIC standard works, cramming a full PC's worth of functionality into the form-factor -- including processor, graphics, networking, extensive I/O, and PC/104-Plus expansion.
The EPX-C3's onboard interfaces include:
- 10/100 Ethernet
- Two USB 2.0 ports
- Four COM ports
- 24 digital I/O lines
- 4x AGP Video with CRT, flat panel, and LVDS interface
- Color panels up to 36-bits/pixel
- Resolutions up to 1920 x 1440
- Simultaneous CRT and LCD operation
- Backlight power supported
- Keyboard controller
- PS/2 mouse support
- Bidirectional parallel port
- AC 97 audio
Photo and layout of the EPX-CE
(Click each to enlarge)The EPX-C3 also includes controllers for floppy and UltraDMA 33/66/100 IDE hard drives, a slot for bootable Type I/II CompactFlash, and a socket for bootable M-Systems DiskOnChip (up to 1GB).
WinSystems notes that the board's ESP7000 (C3) processor will operate from -40 to +85 deg. C without a fan, a temperature range supported by the entire board. The processor also includes Via's
Padlock Hardware Security Suite, including a random number generator and AES cryptography accelerator.
The board runs from a single +5V DC supply, drawing 3.1 Amps (typ.) with 256MB of SDRAM installed, WinSystems says.
The EPX-C3 is priced at $590 in "moderate volumes," and is available now.
SBCs based on the EPIC standard have previously been launched by
Octagon,
Ampro,
Micro/sys, and
VersaLogic.
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