Advansus, a joint venture between Asus and Advantech, has announced a mini-ITX SBC (single board computer) that incorporates Intel's Q965 Express chipset and a Trusted Platform Module chip. The iQ965-CI is aimed at security-sensitive applications that also demand advanced graphics, according to the company.

(Click here for a larger view of the iQ965-CI)

The board's Trusted Platform Module (TPM) functionality is based on Infineon's SLB 9635 chip (shown at right). This is a 16-bit microprocessor said to feature 1.5 KB of general purpose NVRAM, plus a cryptographic engine and EEPROM that can securely store user keys and data in such a way that they never leave the module “in the clear.” Advansus says the TPM can “ensure authenticity, integrity, and confidentiality in e-commerce transactions and Internet communications.”

Another novel feature of the SBC is its use of Intel's relatively new Q965 Express chipset. According to Advansus, the Q965 Express delivers “strong support for Intel Core 2 Duo processors,” giving the iQ965-CI its maximum of 4 GB dual-channel DDR2 800 SDRAM. The chipset's graphics engine, dubbed the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3000, offers 256 MB of VRAM, “Clear Video” technology, plus DirectX 9.0c and Pixel Shader 2.0 support, according to Intel and Advansus.

The iQ965-CI is said to support dual independent displays through the addition of ADD2 (advanced digital display, second generation) or Media Expansion Cards (MECs). These cards take advantage of the SBC's 16-lane PCI express slot, with proprietary Intel extensions for high-speed support of VGA, LVDS, DVI, and HDMI displays.

Key features and specifications listed by Advansus for the iQ965-CI include:

• Processor — supports Intel LGA 775 Core Duo / Core 2 Duo; Pentium 4; Celeron D
  
• Memory — 2 x 240-pin sockets, for up to 4GB of 2-channel DDR2 800 SDRAM
  
• Display — based on Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3000, which includes 256 MB of VRAM; supports VGA, LVDS, DVI, and HDMI displays
  
• Audio — 5.1-channel or 2-channel, amplified audio with independent audio streams; based on Realtek ALC888 chipset
  
• Networking — 10/100/1000 Ethernet via Realtek RTL8111B

• Other I/O:
  • 2 x SATA
  • 2 x serial
  • 6 x USB (four external)
  • 3.5-mm jacks for audio in/out
  • PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports
  • VGA output
• Expansion — 1 x 16-lane PCI Express slot
• Dimensions — Mini-ITX form-factor (6.7 x 6.7 inches; 170 x 170 mm)

Operating system support for this product was not listed. However, other Advansus SBCs have generally supported Linux, Windows XP, and Windows XP Embedded.

Availability

Pricing and availability information were not disclosed

 
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