PALM SPRINGS, Calif. –(BUSINESS WIRE)– Cell Computing, Inc., manufacturer of the Plug-N-Run and CardPC — one of the industry's smallest Pentium embedded system modules, today announced the addition of a high-end, 0.18 micron Intel mobile Pentium III 400 MHz model to its Plug-N-Run System-On-A-Module product line.

Plug-N-Run modules are high performance, low-power, highly integrated components that measure just 3 x 5 inches and contain all the functionality of a traditional PC motherboard — including an Intel mobile Pentium III, Pentium II, or Pentium with MMX processor, cache, core logic chipset, graphics controller, BIOS, Super I/O, and PCI expansion bus — but reduced to a single, snap-in design component to enable quick time to market of embedded computer system products.

“We developed the Plug-N-Run family of Systems-On-A-Module to deliver scaleable performance from Pentium through Pentium III processors for I/O-intensive applications,” said Henri Uehara, President of Cell Computing. “As with all of our products, our 400 MHz Plug-N-Run module once again reduces development time and cost for embedded system developers under pressure to meet time to market objectives without compromising performance or functionality. By working closely with the Intel Applied Computing Group we will continue to develop higher performance and lower cost modules to meet the current and future needs of our customers.”

“The Plug-N-Run is an off-the-shelf component for OEMs designing network, data & telecommunications, industrial automation and test & measurement products, as well as other systems that require Pentium processors in ultra-compact designs. High speed signal routing, high-density PCB layout, BIOS port, mechanical/thermal design, and OS qualification are complete. This allows OEMs to focus on product differentiation, and their key added value and technologies. The Plug-N-Run allows OEMs to add embedded PC functionality — literally in a snap — as an off-the-shelf component, with the ability to customize system and video BIOS functions,” said Kishan Jainandunsing, Product Marketing Manager at Cell Computing.

Typical applications for Cell Computing Plug-N-Run modules include network appliances, storage servers, data & telecommunications equipment, portable test & measurement devices, industrial controllers and other embedded systems running desktop class operating systems [including Linux] as well as real-time operating systems from WindRiver, Microware, VenturCom, Lynx, Integrated Systems, Phar Lap, and others [including embedded and real-time Linux implementations].

Plug-N-Run Features

Compared to conventional Pentium embedded modules that contain only the CPU and Northbridge chip, all Plug-N-Run models integrate the Intel PIIX4E Southbridge, a Super I/O chip, DIMM socket for up to 256 MBytes of on-board SDRAM, graphics controller with LCD support and industry standard Phoenix 4.06 BIOS, in addition to an Intel Pentium processor, 256 KB of L2 cache and 430TX or 440BX Northbridge system controller. Expansion capabilities include PCI bus, two IDE disk drives, two floppy drives, two serial ports, one IrDA port (shared with COM2), one parallel port, 2 USB ports, “X bus” (an 8 bit ISA subset for use in I2C implementations, and serial and parallel port expansions), PS/2 mouse and keyboard interfaces. The modules connect to the rest of the system via a 320-pin AMP snap-in connector.

Cell's new 400 MHz Plug-N-Run based on the Intel mobile Pentium III processor features the Intel 440BX system controller, with 100 MHz Front Side Bus, and support for 256 Mbytes of PC100 SDRAM. Memory capacity may be expanded to 512 Mbytes through the use of an optional memory expansion board.

The entire module measures just 3 x 5 x 0.7 inches (76 x 127 x 18 mm). The 400 MHz Plug-N-Run dissipates less than 5 Watts under typical conditions and a measured maximum of 14.9 Watts under worst-case operating conditions. The advanced design of the Plug-N-Run's aluminum frame provides a single, efficient thermal interface to all module components.

Pricing and Availability

The 400 MHz Plug-N-Run is priced at $599 in OEM quantities. Samples are available in March with production shipments scheduled for May 2000. Carrier boards, reference designs and development systems — consisting of an evaluation board, configuration software, and documentation — are also available starting at $349.

About Cell Computing

Cell Computing, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets the Plug-N-Run, CardPC and other System-On-A-Module OEM products for the embedded computing market. Cell Computing is owned by PFU Limited, a US$1.8 billion joint venture of Matsushita and Fujitsu Limited. The company is dedicated to delivering the industry's smallest X86 modules and system solutions for embedded applications.

 
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