| Compact, Celeron M-based SBCs run Windows XPe, CE |
Oct. 26, 2007
 Swedish embedded specialist Hectronic has announced two single-board computers (SBCs) using Intel's Celeron M and supporting chipsets. The PC/104-style H6036 and ETX-format H6171 both support embedded systems and devices based on Windows XP Embedded and Windows CE, according to the company.
Despite their differing form-factors, both SBCs are designed to plug, like a component, into custom application baseboards. Examples of these are said to be available from Hectronic, which also offers companion Windows XP Embedded and CE board-support packages (BSPs).
 H6036 PC/104 module
The H6036 is essentially a PC/104 form-factor SBC, but built with an unusual "pins-down" configuration. The result is that, while it can reside on the top of a multi-module PC/104 stack, it is primarily intended to be paired up with a custom application baseboard.
Featuring a choice of Intel 855GME or 852GM graphics chipsets, the H6036 is also offered with various processor options from Intel's long life embedded roadmap -- not only Celeron M ULV CPUs clocked at 600 MHz or 1 GHz, but also Pentium 4 processors running at 1.4 or 1.8 GHz. The module's downward-facing connectors provide access to a standard 16-bit, ISA-based PC/104 bus, along with a 32-bit bus employing a miniature "HecPCI" connector, the company says.
A 200-pin DDR SODIMM socket on the module accepts up to 1 GB of RAM, and for mass storage, the SBC is said to offer support for two Ultra ATA/100 devices. The H6036's IDE circuitry can also interface to a baseboard-mounted CompactFlash socket, the company said.
Finally, the SBC also features ACPI hardware and OS support for power management, plus voltage and temperature supervision. Hectronic says power consumption can be as low as 8 watts, and cooling can be either active or passive, depending on the installed processor.
Key features and specifications listed for the H6036 include:- Processor options:
- Intel Celeron M, clocked at 600 MHz or 1 GHz
- Intel Pentium M, clocked at 1.4 or 1.8 GHz
- Memory -- SODIMM socket, for up to 1 GB DDR RAM
- Video:
- Choice of Intel 855GME or 852GM graphics chipsets
- CRT resolution up to 1920 x 1440
- LCD/LVDS resolution up to 1024 x 768
- Maximum shared (UMA) video memory up to 32 MB
- Audio -- AC '97 audio controller (optional board)
- Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet via Intel 82562ET chipset
- Other I/O ports:
- 2 x Ultra ATA/100 IDE
- 4 x USB 2.0
- 2 x COM with TTL levels for RS-232/422/485 adapters on external PCB
- Expansion:
- PC/104 16-bit bus expansion
- 32-bit miniature HecPCI bus
- IDE interface, suitable for implementing a CompactFlash slot on a baseboard
- Power -- +5V, at 8 to 14 watts depending on installed processor
- Dimensions -- 3.9 x 3.7 inches (99 x 94 mm)
- Operating temperature -- 0 to 60 deg. C
 H6171 ETX module
Hectronic's ETX-format H6171 has much in common with the H6036 above, including the 600 MHz and 1 GHz Celeron M options. It offers the same 1 GB DDR RAM expansion, via a 200-pin SODIMM socket, and the same support for two IDE interfaces.
The slightly larger H6171 adds a few extra features, however. For example, it is said to deliver a bidirectional parallel port that can be configured to support a floppy disk drive. (On the H6036, printers and floppy disk drives have to be added via USB.)
On this module, unlike with the H6036, AC '97 audio is standard, and PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse are also present. Also included is an IrDA 1.1 interface for potential infrared connectivity.
Key features and specifications listed for the H6171 include:- Processor -- Intel Celeron M, clocked at 600 MHz or 1 GHz
- Memory -- SODIMM socket, for up to 1 GB DDR RAM
- Video:
- Choice of Intel 855GME or 852GM graphics chipsets
- CRT resolution up to 1920 x 1440
- LCD/LVDS resolution up to 1024 x 768
- Maximum shared (UMA) video memory up to 32 MB
- Audio -- AC '97 audio controller
- Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet via Intel 82562ET chipset
- Other I/O ports:
- EPP/ECP parallel port; can be configured for floppy
- 2 x Ultra ATA/100 IDE
- 2 x PS/2 for keyboard and mouse
- 4 x USB 2.0
- 2 x COM with 16550 TTL support
- Expansion -- standard bottom-side ETX connectors, including 16-bit ISA bus and 32-bit PCI bus
- Power -- +5V, from 8 to 14 watts depending on installed CPU
- Dimensions -- 4.5 x 3.7 x .5 inches (114 x 95 x 12 mm)
- Operating temperature -- 0 to 60 deg. C
In addition to an example ETX carrier board, Hectronic also offers a mini-ITX form-factor development platform for this SBC.
In addition to Windows XP Embedded and Windows CE, both of these SBCs support Linux, according to to the company.
Although pricing was not disclosed, both SBCs appear to be available now.
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