Advantech announced an ETX 3.0-format CPU module with improved memory, graphics, and storage capabilities compared to earlier models. The SOM-4487 offers Intel's Pentium or Celeron M CPUs, dual display capability, 36-bit LVDS, and a wide range of I/O, says the company.

The SOM-4487 replaces Advantech's earlier SOM-4486 and -4481 ETX COM modules, and continues to be aimed at medical, gaming and entertainment, military, and aerospace applications, says the company. The module is said to be ideal for harsh environments and applications such as factory automation, data collection, and device control.

Advantech SOM-4487

The module adheres to the ETX 3.0 spec, which was released by Kontron in 2006, adding two SATA interfaces without changing any ETX pin designations. As a result, the SOM-4487 is fully compatible with legacy ETX carrier boards, says Advantech.

The SOM-4487's Intel Pentium M or Celeron M CPUs are matched with the Intel 915GME/910GMLE chipset, and offers up to 2GB DDR2 memory, says the company. The module exploits the 915GME's improved graphics capabilities, providing resolution up to 2048 x 1536 pixels, dual display support, and 36-bit LVDS, says the company.

Both sides of the SOM-4487
(Click on either to enlarge)

The module's interfaces include a 10/100 Ethernet port, four USB 2.0 ports, dual COM ports, and other I/O. Storage is handled via dual 100-pin SATA connectors and an EIDE interface, and PCI and ISA buses are said to be fully supported.

The company does not list operating system support, but the Intel chips would seem to support Linux and Windows operating systems. Advantech does say "easy-to-use software API interface and utilities" are provided, including "Embedded Security ID" for customers who want to secure application data within the embedded BIOS.

SOM-4487 block diagram
(Click to enlarge)

Specifications listed for the SOM-4487 include:

• Processor — Intel Pentium M or Celeron M with 5433/400MHz front side bus
• Chipset — Intel 915GME (910GMLE) GMCH/ICH6M
• Memory — Up to 2GB DDR2 400/533 MHz (400MHz for 910GMLE) in 200-pin SODIMM
• Display:
  • GMA900 graphics engine
  • VRAM with DVMT 3.0 support up to 128MB
  • 2 x 18-bit LVDS (2 x 24-bit by customized BIOS)
  • Up to 2048 x 1536 CRT resolution
  • CRT/LCD dual display
• Networking — Intel 82562GZ 10/100 Mbps Ethernet interface
• Other I/O interfaces:
  • 1 x EIDE (UDMA 100)
  • 2 x SATA (on ETX CPU module)
  • 4 x USB 2.0
  • 2-bit GPIO (support via customized BIOS)
  • 2 x COM
  • 1 x FDD or LPT
• Audio — Line-in/out, MIC-in; Realtek ALC203 AC97 support
• Power:
  • ATX, AT
  • +5 V only (+5 VSB needs for ATX)
  • 2.23 A to 3.66 A typical consumption (CPU/RAM dependent)
  • 2.82 A to 6.12 A max. consumption (CPU/RAM dependent)
• Expansion — 4 x PCI master; ISA support
• Watchdog — 256 timer intervals, from 1 to 255 sec
• Operating temperature — 32 to 140 deg. F (0 to 60 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 4.5 x 3.74 inches (114 x 95 mm); ETX 3.0 format

Availability

The SOM-4487 is available now, says Advantech, which did not reveal pricing or operating system support. More information may be found here.

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