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AMD offers free Geode-based mini-mobo design

Oct 3, 2005 — by LinuxDevices Staff — from the LinuxDevices Archive — 14 views

AMD is offering a free design for an embedded mini-motherboard incorporating its low-power Geode GX embedded processor. The Geode GX SBC RDK (single-board-computer reference design kit) includes schematics, board layout files, and documentation. It targets applications such as network appliances, kiosks, point-of-sale terminals, and thin-client terminals, according to the company.

(Click here for larger image of RDK board)

The SBC design is based on AMD's Geode GX [email protected] processor. The processor is complemented by the CS5536 companion chip, which provides USB 2.0, audio, ATA 100, and an LPC (low pin count) bus interface for “legacy” I/O expansion. The 4.7 x 5.3 inch, 4-layer board meets the latest international standards for lead-free components, according to AMD.


GX RDK block diagram
(Click image for larger view)

Summary of SBC specs

AMD lists the following key features and specifications for the GX-based SBC that is defined by the RDK:

  • Processor — Geode GX [email protected] clocked at 333 MHz
  • Display interface — supports CRT and TFT displays, at resolutions up to 1600×1200
  • Memory — socket for DDR DRAM (sizes unspecified)
  • 10-100Mbps Ethernet
  • 4 USB 2.0 ports
  • Mini IDE interface supports ATA 100
  • Audio — connectors for headphone out, microphone in
  • LPC expansion bus — LPC daughter card provides 2 serial ports and 1 parallel port
  • JTAG connector
  • Board size — 4.7 x 5.3 inches
  • Power consumption — 6W typical, 1W standby (based on no fan, powered by 12V external adapter)
  • BIOS support — available from Insyde Software and General Software
  • Operating systems supported — Linux, Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded

(Click image to enlarge)

What's in the RDK?

AMD says the Geode GX SBC RDK comprises schematics, board layout, and “full documentation,” as well as a complete software driver package.

Although AMD has apparently also developed a 5.5 x 5 inch enclosure to accommodate the SBC, the RDK does not include design design details on the enclosure (pictured here), according to an AMD source.

Nonstandard form-factor

Interestingly, rather than making use of an existing industry standard form-factor such as mini-ITX (6.7 x 6.7 inches) and nano-ITX (4.7 x 4.7 inches), AMD has opted to roll its own intermediately-sized mini-motherboard format, measuring 4.7 x 5.3 inches. AMD used the identical board size for an earlier RDK based on a Geode GX [email protected]

Also noteworthy, is the absence of headers or slots for expansion buses and cards common to consumer electronic devices such as Mini PCI, PC Card (PCMCIA), SD/MMC, CompactFlash, etc. Instead, expansion is limited to devices connected via the SBC's external USB 2.0 connectors or onboard LPC header.


 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.



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