| Atom-based ECX board runs Windows |
May 14, 2008
 Portwell has announced a single-board computer (SBC) using Intel's Centrino Atom chipset and ECX (embedded compact extended) form factor. Targeting applications such as kiosks and digital signage, the PEB-2736 supports dual displays, has a CompactFlash slot, and accepts an optional TPM (trusted platform module), says Portwell.
(Click here for a larger view of Portwell's PEB-2736)
Intel's ECX form factor made its debut in 2006, and has been used ever since by Advantech, iBASE, and Portwell. It is touted by Intel as providing fanless capabilities, PCI Express connectivity, and dual independent displays, all in a relatively small 5.75 x 4.1 inch footprint.
The PEB-2736 is designed to employ Intel's Atom processors, though Portwell does not specify which ones. Atom processors range from the 800GHz Z540 to the 1.9GHz Z540Atom Z510. Other products announced to date have concentrated on the 1.1GHz Z510 and 1.6GHz Z530 parts, perhaps due to Intel's long-term availability commitment to these models.
The bottom of Portwell's PEB-2736 has slots for RAM and flash memory
In any case, total power consumption of the board is under 10 Watts, according to the company. The PEB-2736 naturally uses Intel's US15W SCH (system controller hub), and it accepts up to 1GB of memory in a 200-pin SODIMM socket. The SODIMM socket is on the bottom of the board, shown above, along with a CompactFlash socket.
The top of the PEB-2736
On top of the board (above), the Atom and US15W naturally reside toward the middle. Around the edge, starting at top left and moving clockwise, there's a 44-pin IDE port, three connectors for optional SDIO daughtercards, and a connector for the optional Infineon TPM (trusted platform module). The lower half of the board features a power connector plus SDVO and LVDS connectors.
Facilitating the connection of dual independent displays, the SDVO connector supports a daughtercard that adds a second LVDS output, DVI, or VGA. A so-called "golden finger" connector that provides x1 PCI Express expansion, likely the route to adding Ethernet capabilities.
Real-world connectors include six channels of audio output
The lower edge of the board, seen above, houses the PEB-2736's "real-world" interfaces, in the form of four USB ports, an RS232 port, and 5:1 audio output. Analog audio signals are apparently provided via six discrete 3.5mm jacks, which would make the PEB-2736 an interesting candidate for media server applications, even though these were not heralded by Portwell.
Features and specifications provided by Portwell for the PEB-2736 include:- Processor -- Intel Atom (clock speeds not specified)
- Memory -- up to 1GB of DDR2 RAM, via 200-pin SODIMM socket
- Storage -- Type II CompactFlash slot
- I/O:
- 4 x USB host (edge connectors)
- 1 x USB client (type B connector)
- 6 x analog audio outputs (5:1 surround sound)
- 1 x RS232
- LVDS port
- SDVO port (supports VGA/DVI/LVDS daughtercard)
- 3 x SDIO (pin headers)
- 1 x GPIO (pin header)
- 1 x TPM connector (pin header)
- Expansion:
- PCI Express x1 via "golden finger"
- CompactFlash Type II socket
- Dimensions -- 5.75 x 4.1 inches
- Operating temperature -- 0 to 60 deg. C (-40 to 85 deg. C "by request")
The PEB-2736 runs either Windows or Linux. Pricing and availability information were not supplied.
Related stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed