Intel Multi Core SBC with 2eSST and Mezzanine Card Extension
28 August 2008
MEN (Mikro Elektronik) has released the A19 which supports a multitude of dual-core and single-core CPUs and combines outstanding computing and graphics performance with low power-consumption thanks to Intel's 945GME chipset. Further I/O functions can be realised via a specially developed mezzanine extension card and a PMC or XMC module. The A19 is equipped with components of the Intel embedded line, thus ensuring long-term availability until at least 2013.
The A19 is a VMEbus single-board computer in double Eurocard format. It supports a multitude of Intel processors, starting from the Core 2 Duo T7400 with 2.16GHz down to the single-core Celeron M version. Thanks to the 256bit graphics engine with up to 250MHz integrated in the 945 GME Express chipset, this SBC is especially suited for embedded systems with high computing and graphics requirements and low power consumption. The A19 supports connection of up to two monitors with the same or different display content.
Key features include:
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo up to 2.16GHz / Core Duo / Celeron M
- One-slot 2eSST VMEbus master and slave
- One XMC or PMC, one mezzanine card
- 2GB Ethernet (front), 2GB Ethernet (via P0)
- Up to 4GB DDR2 DRAM soldered
The state-of-the-art Tundra bridge controller TSI148 on the A19 supports 2eSST and enables thus a particularly fast and reliable data throughput. The 2eSST protocol is based on synchronous data transfer and thus doubles the theoretical VME transaction bandwidth to up to 320MB/s. At the same time, however, backwards compatibility with older standards such as VME64 and VME32 is maintained.
Standard I/O on the front panel includes graphics via VGA, 2GB Ethernet and two USB 2.0 interfaces. For I/O extension the A19 provides a PMC or XMC slot and a specially developed mezzanine card which can also be used on the CompactPCI-based SBC D9. With a mezzanine card up to four USB and 2GB Ethernet ports are led to the rear of the A19. The Ethernet channels can be used to realize PICMG 2.16.
Further possible I/O via a mezzanine card includes a digital video port via DVI and HD audio. Six PCI Express lanes ensure fast data-transfer.
In addition to the 4GB DDR2 RAM system memory the A19 also offers a CompactFlash slot and two SATA ports which can be used on-board or on the backplane. The board can be operated in Windows® and Linux environments as well as with real-time operating systems which support multi-core architecture. The Award BIOS has been specially developed for embedded system applications.
Management and supervision of the board functions complete the functionality of the A19. The board has a guaranteed minimum usage of five years.
The A19 is by standard equipped with a tailored passive heat sink for rugged industrial applications. Depending on the processor type, the size of the heat sink and the system prerequisites, the A19 can also be used in the extended temperature range.
The DDR2-RAM system memory is soldered to guarantee optimum shock and vibration resistance. For operation in humid and dusty environments the A19 is also prepared for coating.
The A19 is thus suited for a wide range of industrial applications such as monitoring, visualization, control, test and measurement. Main target markets are industrial automation, multimedia, traffic and transport, aerospace, shipbuilding, medical engineering and robotics.
Dominion Electronics supplies single-board computers, embedded core modules, programmable controllers, graphical displays and associated software products. Dominion Electronics represents MEN (Mikro Elektronik) in Australia and New Zealand.
