San Jose, CA — (company press release) — Ampro Computers, a leading supplier of EBX-compatible single-board computers and PC/104 modules for the worldwide embedded computing marketplace, today introduced platform-based design technology to the PC/104 community, along with two new PC/104 modules based on the new technology. Both the platform and the two new PC/104 modules based on it are supported by standard Red Hat Linux, MontaVista Hard Hat Linux, and a wide range of other operating systems.

Ampro's Gemini platform provides the basis for rapid design of custom PC/104 system modules targeted at specific vertical markets. It enables OEMs to move from design specification to production in as little as eight weeks, depending on component availability. The Gemini platform is based around a new generation 486-compatible processor coupled with all standard embedded PC features, such as CPU and memory systems, communications ports, and disk interfaces. A substantial portion of the PC/104 module remains available for application-specific circuitry.

“Many embedded PC/104 applications add custom logic on a baseboard or PC/104 peripheral card,” stated Paul Rosenfeld, Ampro Computers' Vice President of Marketing. “Using the Gemini platform, OEMs can frequently get all critical functionality for their application on just one compact module.”

Value Proposition

Time to market is the most critical issue facing electronic equipment OEMs today. But OEMs must frequently choose between a more costly multi-board off-the-shelf solution that gets their product to market quicker or a less expensive custom solution which requires longer design time. Modules based on the Gemini platform provide the short design time benefits of an off-the-shelf solution while addressing cost issues by integrating all critical components on a single module.

The primary value of high-integration single-module systems for embedded applications, Mr. Rosenfeld noted, is that they “drive overall costs down,” not only in terms of the reduced cost of a single board solution, but also in terms of inventory of spare parts, service and maintenance costs, and reduced packaging requirements. What's more, he continued, “they make embedded systems design simpler and easier.”

Fast Time to Market Requires Off-the-shelf Software

One of the biggest challenges in bringing any custom board to market is the porting of the system software (OS and drivers) to the new board. This effort can frequently consume two to three months or more of design time, utilizing specialists in low level programming that are hard to find among today's millions of application software developers. The Gemini Platform virtually eliminates the need to port system software, because a wide range of popular operating systems, including leading RTOS, already run on the Gemini Platform. Ampro has validated QNX, Windows 95 & 98, Windows NT Embedded, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows CE, VxWorks, and several versions of embedded Linux on the Gemini Platform.

Two New Off-the-Shelf PC/104 Modules

To demonstrate the flexibility of the Gemini platform, Ampro is also introducing two new PC/104 “system” modules, the CoreModule/4Gv and CoreModule/4Ge. Each adds an on-board feature that enables a single module to meet most, if not all, of the embedded computing requirements for a number of applications. The CoreModule/4Gv offers an on-board SVGA graphics controller supporting both video and flat panel displays, while the CoreModule/4Ge provides an Ethernet interface.

The CoreModule/4Gv combines core CPU features with a sophisticated CRT and flat-panel video interface. Based on the Chips and Technologies (now Intel) 65550 graphics controller, the video function supports resolutions of up to 1280 x 1024 pixels in 16 colors, as well as 24-bit true-color in 640 x 480-pixel resolution. The controller supports both video and a wide range of flat panel displays.

Similarly, the CoreModule/4Ge combines the same core features but with a 10BaseT (twisted pair) Ethernet interface based on the popular Standard Microsystems Corp. 91c94 Ethernet controller. The network appliance engine implements the Carrier Sense, Multiple Access/Collision Detect (CSMA/CD) defined by the IEEE 802.3 (ANSI 8802-3) Ethernet standard and operates at 10 Mb/s.

Ampro intends to introduce additional “standard” products based on the Gemini platform in both PC/104 and Little Board (EBX) form factors as addition functionality with widespread market appeal is identified.

About Ampro Computers

Ampro Computers, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, CA., is widely recognized as the leading global provider of modular embedded computing solutions for OEM applications. Ampro originated the PC/104 and PC/104-Plus standards, and co-authored (with Motorola) the EBX high-performance non-backplane single-board computer (SBC) standard (based on Ampro's popular Little Board form-factor). Ampro's extensive line of PC/104 form-factor CoreModule CPUs and MiniModule expansion products, and EBX form-factor Little Board SBCs, enable OEMs to integrate PC-compatible architectures into their products while minimizing system size and shortening time-to-market.

 
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