ZF Micro Solutions is shipping an open source reference design for a low-cost, low-power, embedded control PC. The Linux-compatible ZFx86 Easy Embedded PC System (EEPC) design is built around a “failsafe” ZFx86 SoC, consumes under five Watts, and offers multiple I/O connectors, says the company.

The EEPC is intended for developing an embedded control PC with a $100 target BOM (bill of materials) in volumes of 10K, says the company. The schematics and software for the EEPC design are posted as a free open source download, says the fabless semiconductor company. ZF Micro also sells a complete development kit for Linux or Windows CE for $600, and a parts starter kit is said to be available for $120 from ZF distributors.

ZFx86 Easy Embedded PC System (EEPC)
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As the EEPC's full name implies, the design is based on  ZF Micro's venerable ZFx86 SoC (see diagram below), clocked at 100MHz. The x86-based SoC was launched back in 2000 as the "MachZ", only to sputter under product name- and company changes in 2002. The ZFx86 bounced back to life in 2005 with the help of a new IBM fabrication deal.

ZFx86 block diagram
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The ZFx86 is based on a 32-bit, 486-compatible x86 processor clockable up to 133MHz. Other features include PCI and ISA bus controllers; USB, serial, and parallel ports; general purpose I/O lines; and PC-compatible keyboard/mouse, IrDA, floppy, and hard drive interfaces. Display and networking functions are not included, and require the addition of external chipsets.

EEPC top view
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The ZFx86 is billed as a "failsafe" SoC due to its internal ZF BIOS which is based on a Phoenix Technologies kernel. The BIOS, which is included with the EEPC with a free license, offers a ROM update feature that ensures that a system will always be accessible, even if all flash memory has been corrupted, says the company.

EEPC side view
(Click to enlarge)

The 7 x 10-inch EEPC board includes a 100MHz ZFx86 with 128MB RAM, and a 128MB solid state drive (SSD). The board is equipped with a Silicon Motion SM712 video controller with integrated memory (4MB), supporting dual VGA and LCD operation, says ZF Micro.

Another side of the EEPC
(Click to enlarge)

The board supplies a 10/100 Ethernet port, as well as connectors for serial, USB, PS2, and other I/O (see spec list below). ISA and PCI connectors are provided for hosting additional adapters, says ZF Micro.

ZF Micro's full development kit includes a fully assembled and tested board, plus documentation, drivers, and licensed software, says the company. The design is said to be based on components with long-life production commitments from ZF and other suppliers. The free design package, meanwhile, includes OrCad schematics, PadsPCB layout files, and a BOM spreadsheet.

Specifications listed for the EEPC board design include:

• Processor — ZFx86 @ 100MHz with ZF BIOS; 486 DX4 with FPU and 8K L1 cache
• Memory — 128MB of 32-bit SDRAM (quad 2M x 32 DRAM)
• Storage — 128MB SSD with IDE interface (either Apacer ADC II or SST NAND Drive SST85LD0128); DR DOS 7.03 pre-installed
• Display — Silicon Motion SM712 video controller with integrated memory (4MB), supporting up to 1024 x 768 resolution and dual VGA and LCD display
• Networking — 10/100 integrated MAC/PHY (Realtek RTL8139DL)
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x VGA
  • 1 x RS232
  • 1 x parallel
  • 1 x Ethernet (RJ45 connector)
  • RS232 10-pin (COM2)
  • LCD 40-pin
  • PS2 keyboard/mouse
  • 2 x USB
  • 2 x IDE 40-pin
  • Floppy 34-pin
  • Z-tag header
• Expansion:
  • PCI 32-bit
  • ISA 16-bit
• Other features — 56Kbps Radicom modem; uses one COM2 RS232 port
• Power — Linear Technology LT1963A ATX power supply, with 1.5A output current and 340mV dropout voltage; 5 Watt power consumption
• Operating temperature — 32 to 158 deg. F (0 to 70 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 10 x 7 inches
• Operating system — Linux; Windows CE

Availability

The EEPC design is available now, with a free design package including source code, from ZF Micro, here. The complete development kit is available from ZF for $600, including EEPC board. A "parts starter kit" is available for $120 from ZF authorized distributors listed here.

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