| Embedded modules lower cost, boost performance |
Apr. 04, 2006
 Ampro debuted a pair of modules, in ETX and XTX computer-on-module (COM) format, at the Embedded Systems Conference this week. The ETX 610 aims to provide low-cost RoHS-compliant life extension for existing ETX-based designs, while the XTX 830, based on an Intel Core Duo processor, offers a high performance ETX migration path in XTX format. Both boast Windows Embedded-based operation.
(Click here for larger view of ETX 610)
ETX 610
The ETX 610 (pictured above) is based on AMD's new RoHS-compliant Geode LX 800, which combines a 500 MHz, microprocessor, memory controller, Northbridge, PCI bridge, and 2D graphics in a single 3.9 Watt chip.
Other key features include: - Up to 1 GB of DDR RAM
- EIDE, SATA (Serial ATA), and floppy drive interfaces
- 10/100 Mbit Ethernet
- Support for LVDS LCDs
- Four USB 2.0 ports
- Two serial ports
- Parallel port
- PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
- AC97 sound port
- ACPI power management
The module provides PCI and ISA bus signals on the bottom for connection to a custom application baseboard. QuickStart Kits will provide drivers and BSPs (board support packages) for Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded, Windows CE 5.0, and Linux 2.6 (Fedora Core 3), according to Ampro.
RoHS, the European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (2002/95/EC), restricts the use of lead and other environmentally unfriendly materials.
 | XTX 830
(Click to enlarge) |
XTX 830
The XTX 830 is based on a 2 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, previously known under the code name Yonah, a January Intel processor introduction that Ampro calls "the highest performance CPU for the embedded market." A version based on a 1.07 GHz ULV Core Solo Yonah is also available.
According to Ampro, the module offers "the latest high-performance embedded graphics" -- 128-bit 3D AGP -- with support for both CRTs and LVDS LCDs.
Other key features on the RoHS-compliant module include: - Up to 1 GB of DDR2 RAM and 2 MB of Level 2 cache
- IDE, dual SATA (serial ATA), and floppy drive interfaces
- 10/100 Mbit Ethernet
- Sound port
- Six USB 2.0 ports
- Two serial ports
- Parallel port
- Keyboard/mouse ports
In addition to PCI bus expansion, the XTX 830 contains four bidirectional PCI Express links or "lanes."
The module conforms to the XTX (eXpress Technology for ETX) form-factor, an ETX spin-off that substitutes PCI Express and serial ATA ports for the ETX standard's ISA bus signals. XTX modules can plug into existing ETX baseboards that don't use the ISA bus, according to Ampro. Further details on XTX are available in our coverage of Ampro's first XTX form-factor product, the XTX 820, announced earlier this year.
The XTX 830 supports either Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded, and Linux 2.6, Ampro said.
Availability
Shipments of the ETX 610 are scheduled to begin in late May, 2006, with prices starting in the low $200's in moderate production quantities. The XTX 820, meanwhile, will ship in June, with pricing starting in the low $500s in moderate quantities, Ampro says.
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