| PC/104-Plus SBC uses eight Watts |
Sep. 09, 2008
 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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