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Compact XScale SBC spares power, runs Linux

Apr 7, 2006 — by LinuxDevices Staff — from the LinuxDevices Archive — 11 views

Applied Data Systems (ADS) is shipping a 3×5-inch, XScale-based SBC (single-board computer) available with Linux. The BitsyXB is based on a 520MHz PXA270 processor with dynamic frequency and voltage regulation, and five low-power modes aimed at minimizing power dissipation for handheld, wearable, and other power-sensitive… applications.

(Click here for larger BitsyXb image)

ADS says the BitsyXb provides graphics control for color LCDs with resolutions up to 1024 x 768 pixels (XGA), plus a controller for a resistive touchscreen for operator input on that LCD. The board's audio functions are implemented by means of a 16-bit AC97 stereo codec, which is equipped with a 1W/channel stereo audio amplifier.

The BitsyXb also includes an I2C bus with master controller, RDA transceiver, temperature probe, real-time clock, and a choice of a CompactFlash connector, Ethernet connector, or expansion slot header with 16 address and 11 data lines. It has a -40 to +85 degrees C operating temperature range, and operates off a 5V or 6-16V power input, dissipating under 1W.

Feature summary

Key features, according to the company, include:

  • Processor — 520MHz Intel XScale PXA270 processor
  • Memory:
    • Program/frame buffer — up to 128MB DRAM
    • flash — up to 32 MB (asynchronous) or 64 MB (synchronous)
    • boot EPROM — 128 KB
  • Graphics:
    • Built-in LCD controller
    • Up to 1024 x 768 pixels (XGA)
    • Resistive touchscreen controller
  • Audio:
    • 16-bit AC97 stereo codec
    • Stereo audio amplifier, 1W per channel
    • Stereo speaker output; stereo mike input
  • Input/output ports:
    • USB master hub:
      • One USB host port
      • One USB function port (requires personality board)
    • Intel QuickCapture camera sensor input bus
    • Three serial ports:
      • COM1 — RS232 (8 wires)
      • COM2 — 2 wire, 3V CMOS levels; optional: RS232 or IrDA transmitter
      • COM3 — 4 wire (RxD, TxD, RTS and CTS), configurable at RS232
    • SPI port
    • I2C bus with I2C master controller
    • Support for PS2 connection (requires personality board)
    • Ten digital I/O lines
    • ADSmartIO — 9 configurable input/outputs, possible configurations include:
      • 5×4 keypad/touchscreen + remaining digital I/O's, or
      • 4 analog inputs + 5 digital I/O's, or
      • 9 digital I/O's
  • Expansion — PCMCIA Type II socket
  • Size — 3 x 5 inches
  • Operating temperature — -40 to +85 degrees C

In addition to Linux, ADS offers the BitsyXb with Windows CE 5.0 and other embedded OSes.

Availability

The BitsyXb is available immediately, priced in the $300s.


 
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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