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Low-cost x86 EPIC SBCs run Linux

Nov 16, 2006 — by LinuxDevices Staff — from the LinuxDevices Archive — 2 views

Swiss board-maker Digital-Logic is shipping a pair of low-cost EPIC form-factor SBCs (single-board computers) that support Linux, among other OSes. The MSEP800L is based on a Geode LX800, while the MSEP855L is based on an Intel Pentium M, and both offer ISA and optional PCI expansion.


MSEP800L
(Click to enlarge)

The MSEP800L is based on a passively cooled Geode LX800, clocked at 500MHz, along with the Geode CS5536 companion chip. It uses the Geode's integrated memory controller, which can borrow up to 32MB of main system memory for graphics use, and supports analog VGA displays up to 1920 x 1440, refreshed at 85Hz. An optional MSEP800CONM inverter module supports DVI displays up to 1600 x 1200, refreshed at 60Hz.

Additional features and specs listed by the company include:

  • Memory — 256MB up to 1GByte DDR-RAM
  • Storage:
    • 1 x PATA controller
      • Two IDE/CF slots
      • UDMA66, 44pi
    • Microfloppy, 26pin
  • I/O ports:
    • 100/10 BASE-T Ethernet
    • 2 x RS232C, 9pin DSUB
    • IEEE1284 parallel port
    • 4 x USB 2.0
    • AC97 on optional MSEP800CONM module
  • Expansion — ISA, with optional optional PCI
  • Dimensions — 6.5 x 4.5 x 1 inches (165 x 115 x 25 mm)
  • Power — 10V – 30Volt, typ. 10Watt
  • Standard and extended temp versions available

MSEP855L
(Click to enlarge)

The MSEP855L, meanwhile, is based on an Intel Pentium M processor clocked between 600MHz and 1.8GHz. It uses Intel's 855GME chipset, which features an integrated display controller capable of borrowing up to 64MB of main system memory, for analog VGA displays up to 2048 x 1539, refreshed at 75Hz. The board also offers an LVDS port for 18-bit color LCD modules up to 1600 x 1200, refreshed at 60Hz. An optional MSEP800CONM inverter module supports DVI displays up to 1600 x 1200, refreshed at 60Hz.

Additional specs include:

  • Memory — 256MB up to 1GByte DDR-RAM
  • Storage:
    • 2 x PATA – UDMA100, 44pi
    • Microfloppy, 26pin
  • I/O ports:
    • 100/10 BASE-T Ethernet
    • 2 x RS232C, 9pin DSUB
    • IEEE1284 parallel port
    • 4 x USB
    • AC97 on optional MSEP855CONM
  • Expansion — ISA and optional PCI
  • Dimensions — 6.5 x 4.5 x 1 inches (165 x 115 x 25 mm)
  • Power — 10V – 30Volt, typ. 18Watt
  • Standard and extended temperature ranges available

Availability

Both new EPIC SBCs are available in lots of 100 and up, priced at 222 Euros for the MSEPM800L and 404 Euros for the MSEP855L with an 800MHz “SmartCore SC855/SM855 c120” Pentium M, Digital-Logic says. Both are also offered in evaluation kit form, with hard disk, memory, and power supply.


 
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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