| Dev kit aims Windows CE at low-power x86 apps |
Jul. 25, 2006
Arcom is shipping a hardware/software kit supporting Windows CE powered designs based on a low-power, x86-based EBX format single-board computer (SBC). The SBC-GX533 Development Kit for Windows CE 5.0 includes a Geode-based SBC, DRAM and flash memory, bootable Windows CE, and an optional color TFT touchscreen.
(Click here for larger view of the dev kit)
 SBC-GX533 SBC (click to enlarge) | Arcom's SBC-GX533 SBC is based on a Geode GX 533@1.1W processor clocked at 400MHz, and it accommodates up to 512 MB of DDR 266 MHz RAM and either 16 or 32 MB of flash memory.
The board's onboard graphics controller is factory-configured to drive either a standard analog display or a TFT LCD panel, according to the company. Additionally, a 2D/3D dual-output video controller, which includes an MPEG2 video decoder, is available as an option.
Other listed key features of the SBC-GX533 SBC include: - Storage -- IDE ATA-66 hard drive port, CompactFlash socket, floppy interface
- I/O ports:
- dual 10/100 Ethernet
- two each USB 2.0 and 1.1 host ports
- three RS232 serial ports, one RS232/422/485 port
- AC97 Audio codec, line in, line out, microphone in
- PS/2 keyboard and mouse, printer port
- 8-bit TTL digital I/O port
- two user-programmable jumpers
- Expansion -- PC/104, PC/104-Plus
- Power -- 7 W
Windows CE onboard
According to Arcom, "Windows CE 5.0 is ideal for mid to high volume projects where a small software footprint and low license cost coupled with a Windows style GUI are important. Windows CE can serve as a hard real time operating system for a large number of applications."
The development kit supplies compressed Windows CE 5.0 image, registry, and configuration files, which occupy approximately 13MB of the SBC's onboard flash drive, leaving 19MB of the flash available for Windows CE application programs, Arcom says. An included VNC Viewer simplifies remote development of Windows CE apps, by allowing developers to view SBC-GX533 screen images in real time on their development ("host") PC. Additionally, the supplied software development tools allow developers to generate custom boot splash-screens, Arcom adds.
Availability
The Development Kit, available immediately, includes the SBC equipped with 512MB DDR DRAM and 32MB flash memory, plus a "full" cable set, an AC power supply, and a "comprehensive" Development Kit CD containing development tools including Embedded Visual C++ 4.0, product documentation, code samples, and demos. A 6.5-inch color TFT LCD and analog touchscreen are available as options.
Pricing was not disclosed.
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