BCM announced an industrial-focused Mini-ITX single board computer (SBC) equipped with a 2.13GHz Intel Core i3 processor and Intel HM55 chipset, promising long-life availability until 2017. The IX55HM supports up to 8GB DDR3 memory, and offers PCIe and mini-PCIe expansion, SATA II storage support, and real-world ports that include dual gigabit Ethernet connections, according to the company.

Conforming to the 6.7 x 6.7-inch Mini-ITX form factor, the IX55HM is equipped with the Intel HM55 chipset and a Core i3-330E CPU. From Intel's 2010 crop, this CPU is clocked at 2.13GHz. 

BCM IX55HM

The IX55HM supports up to 8GB DDR3 memory, according to BCM. The SBC is also said to feature both PCI-Express (PCIe) x16 and Mini-PCIe expansion slots.

Dual display capability is provided, with combinations of either VGA and either HDMI, DisplayPort, or 24-bit LVDS. All these display interfaces are served up via real-world coastline ports except for LVDS. In addition, for panel control via LVDS, two dual channels with 24-bit resolution are also supported, as well as a connection for backlight control, says the company.

IX55HM coastline

Other coastline ports include dual gigabit Ethernet ports, four of the eight available USB 2.0 ports, and one of the two RS-232 ports, says BCM. Dual PS/2 ports, as well as audio connections for the dual-channel Realtek HD audio chipset, are also externally available.

Internal connections include four SATA II ports and parallel, 8-bit GPIO "with TTL level," thereby simplifying sensor and actuator connectivity, says the company.

IX55HM internal detail
(Click to enlarge)

Status monitoring is provided for voltage, cooling fan speed, and CPU temperature, with the latter supported with auto throttling controls that kick in at a defined temperature limit. There's also a watchdog timer, as well as a Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE) interface for activating the board via Ethernet, says the company.

IX55HM coastline detail
(Click to enlarge)

A standard 20-pin ATX power supply connector and a four-pin, 12V input connector are provided, and power consumption is typically less than 19 Watts, claims BCM. A three-step fan control is said to ensure low noise levels, and operating temperature support is said to range from 32 to 140 deg. F. The SBC is available with long-life support until 2017, says the company.

IX55HM block diagram
(Click to enlarge)

Features and specifications listed for the IX55HM include:

• Processor — Intel Core i3-330E @ 2.13GHz
• Chipset — Intel HM55
• Memory — up to 8GB DDR3 1066/800 SDRAM via 2 x 204-pin SODIMMs
• Expansion — PCIe x16 (PRG & SDVO); Mini-PCIe
• Display:
  • VGA port
  • HDMI 1.3 port
  • DisplayPort
  • LVDS dual-channel 24-bit interface with backlight support
  • Dual displays (VGA + LVDS, VGA + DP, VGA + HDMI)
  • up to 2048 x 1536 resolution
• Networking — 2 x gigabit Ethernet port (Intel 82577LM with iAMT; Realtek RTL81111C)
• Other I/O:
  • 8 x USB 2.0 (4 x coastline ports)
  • 4 x SATA II interfaces
  • 2 x powered RS-232 (1 x coastline port)
  • PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports
  • 8-bit GPIO
  • Audio line-in, line-out, mic (Realtek ALC8885.1 + 2 HD)
• Other features — watchdog; hardware monitoring; wake on LAN or ring; smart fan control; PXE boot
• Power — 20-pin ATX, requiring +12V/1.66A, +5V/3.51A, +3.3V/1.08A, 5VSB/570mA
• Operating temperature — 32 to 140 deg. F (0 to 60 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 6.7 x 6.7 inches (170 x 170mm); Mini-ITX

Availability

No pricing, availability, or operating system information was offered for BCM's "cost-effective" IX55HM. More information may be found via the PDF-formatted data sheet hosted by distributor Rosch Computer, and a product page may eventually appear on BCM's website.

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