| Teensy CPU module gains CE 6.0 BSP |
Oct. 15, 2008
 Direct Insight announced a 2.4 x 1.6 inch CPU module that uses Marvell's PXA300 or PXA320 processor. The "SwiftModule" comes with a Windows CE 6.0 R2 BSP (board support package), and appears to target power-skimping mobile devices, optionally with built-in WiFi.
(Click here for a larger view of Direct Insight's SwiftModule)
Direct Insight is a product development company that typically collaborates with single-board computer vendors, sometimes helping with hardware, as well as with Windows embedded OS ports. Previous collaborators have included Germany's Ka-Ro Electronics, India's E-Con Systems, and Japan's Sophia Systems.
The new SwiftModule is a variant of the VAR-320SBC, a CPU module from Israel's Variscite. Direct Insight says it has equipped the core VAR-320SBC product with a "comprehensive, production-quality" BSP (board support package) for Windows CE 6.0 R2. As a Windows Embedded Gold Partner, Direct Insight further claims, it has helped bring dozens of products to market, and is well-positioned to help customers create products based on the SwiftModule.
 
DirectInsight's SwiftModule
The SwiftModule is a 2.4 x 1.6 inch (60 x 40mm) module (above left) that connects to a baseboard via two 140-pin connectors (above right). It can be specified with Marvell's PXA300 or PXA320 processor, with clock speeds of 208MHz, 624MHz, or 806MHz. The module is available with 64MB, 128MB, or 256MB of soldered-on RAM, plus from 128MB to 1GB of NAND flash storage, Direct Insight adds.
The SwiftModule is said to include three UARTs, USB device and host ports, an SD/MMC controller, a CompactFlash interface, and four SSPs (synchronous serial ports). The device's integral 2D graphics accelerator supports displays up to 800 x 600 pixels, and the module also has an internal amplifier for AC'97-compatible audio, says Direct Insight.
A block diagram of the SwiftModule
(Click to enlarge)
Options for the module include Ethernet and 802.11b/g wireless networking, according to Direct Insight. Meanwhile, a block diagram (above) supplied by Variscite shows that the SwiftModule uses a Dialog DA9034 power management IC, said to support input power from 2.8 to 4.8VDC. The module uses less than one Watt in most applications, and as little as 3mW in sleep mode, according to the companies.
The SwiftKit baseboard
(Click to enlarge)
Also offered by Direct Insight is the so-called SwiftKit Development System, a baseboard sporting a 800 x 600 touchscreen display. The baseboard's dimensions are not specified, but the board clearly dwarfs the SwiftModule itself, as the above image shows. The SwiftKit brings the SwiftModule's interfaces out to "real world" connectors, as illustrated, and provides both a VGA output and a three-port USB hub, according to the company.
Features and specifications listed by Direct Insight for the SwiftModule include the following:- Processor -- Marvell PXA300 or PXA320, with 208MHZ, 624MHz, or 806MHz clock speeds
- Memory -- 64MB, 128MB, or 256MB of RAM, and 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, or 1GB of NAND flash storage
- Display -- Supports 800 x 600 touchscreen displays
- Networking -- Ethernet or 802.11b/g wireless (both optional)
- Other I/O:
- 3 x UARTs
- 4 x SSP
- 1 x I2C
- 1 x I2S
- AC'97 audio
- 1 x USB 1.1 device port
- 1 x USB 1.1 host port
- Camera interface
- Dimensions -- 2.4 x 1.6 inches (60 x 40mm)
- Temperature range -- -25 to 85 deg. C
According to Direct Insight, the SwiftModule comes with a Windows CE 6.0 R2 BSP (board support package), and Windows CE drivers supporting the SwiftKit baseboard's functionality. Supplied schematics and layout notes can be used as the starting point for custom baseboard development, the company adds.
The device appears to be available now. While pricing was not released, more information may be available from the company's website, here.
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