Axis Communications, maker of the ETRAX system-on-chip, has set out to make Linux-based device designs even simpler by integrating over fifty components into a single 27mm x 27mm PBGA IC package. According to Axis Business Development Manager Fredrik Norrman, only two external components are required to create a fully functional Linux system: a 20MHz crystal, plus a source of 3.3 V power. “Consequently,” says Norrman, “the new multi chip module will result in systems that are easier to design, have a smaller footprint, and are cheaper to manufacture.”

The new ETRAX 100LX Multi Chip Module is based on the Axis ETRAX 100LX system-on-chip RISC processor, but adds many of the components that must generally be put on PCB's along side the SOC, such as DRAM, Flash, Ethernet transceiver, etc.

Here is a block diagram of the device . . .

Because the ETRAX multi chip module contains 2MBytes of Flash memory and 8MBytes of SDRAM, it is fully capable of containing — entirely within itself — an embedded operating system along with some application software.

The favored operating system for the ETRAX product family is Embedded Linux. To simplify the process of developing systems based on the ETRAX produdts, Axis provides a customized port of Linux which is available for free download on its developer website. The company also makes a development board, and provides sample schematics of typical system designs for various applications.

When can I get one? How much will it cost?

Norrman says Axis expects to have the first samples available in October 2001 with volume shipments following in Q1, 2002. “Early samples will only be available in a limited quantity, please contact us at [email protected] if you are interested,” he adds.

OEM pricing for the ETRAX multi chip module has yet to be established. However, Norrman estimates that preproduction samples will be available for $200, and that volume production will be offered in the range of $75 (single units) to $50 (10K units).

 
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