Kontron claims to have created the first PC/104-Plus CPU module based on Transmeta's Crusoe TM5500 processor. The MOPSlcdTM CPU module exhibits “significantly higher performance per Watt” than previous designs, according to Kontron, with a total power drain of around 3W for the 800MHz board model.

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Tri-M Systems previously introduced a PC/104 board with the SE or “special embedded” version of the TM5500 in January, 2003.

Kontron says its new Crusoe-based PC/104-Plus module is well suited for embedded applications requiring low power consumption, low heat generation, high values of EMC, and a fanless design. Onboard functions include a LynxEM+ graphics controller with 2 MB video RAM for LCD and CRT support, Fast-Ethernet, dual USB, dual serial, keyboard port, parallel port, IDE drive, and floppy drive. Up to 1 GB DDR-SODIMM memory can be either plugged-in or optionally soldered in place. Additionally, a “chipDISK” Flash memory module can be bolted to the board to provide robust nonvolatile storage. A JIPA flat panel interface enables connecting STN, DSTN, and TFT panels, with JIPA automatically detecting the type of display connected and setting video parameters accordingly, Kontron says.

For further expansion, the module can make use of both PCI- and ISA-bus interfaced PC/104 (and PC/104-Plus) expansion modules, which mate via self-stacking bus expansion pin-and-socket connectors.

The processor's temperature is limited to 50°C, enabling fanless operation, Kontron says. Portions of the processor that are not being used are automatically shut down and the operating frequency and core voltage are continuously adjusted to match the performance requirements of application workloads. According to Kontron, this reduces processor power consumption in “deep sleep mode” to as little as 20 mW, which greatly extends battery life in mobile applications. Additionally, the processor's Code Morphing Software (CMS) optimizes frequently used code fragments and stores them in cache memory, substantially reducing execution time.

Embedded operating system support is initially available for Linux, VxWorks, Windows CE .NET, and Windows XP Embedded.

 
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