Micro/sys is shipping a PC/104 form-factor single-board computer (SBC) that boasts sub-5 second boot-up time, using an “industrial BIOS” or DOS-like operating system. The SBC1491 is offered in both standard and extended operating temperature ranges, and is available with Linux pre-installed.

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Micro/sys describes the SBC1491 SBC as a “cost effective mid-range controller for applications not requiring Pentium speed.” The module is based on an x86-compatible STMicroelectronics STPC Atlas system-on-chip (SoC), clocked at 66 or 133 MHz.

The module provides 64 MB of DRAM, plus 1 MB of flash memory preloaded with an industrial BIOS, a suite of firmware utilities, and a “DOS compatible” operating system, according to the company. The module also provides the option of 512 KB or 1 MB of battery-backed SRAM, and a 32-pin JEDEC socket accommodates an M-Systems DiskOnChip flash memory module that can be used as a bootable solid-state disk. I/O expansion includes SVGA graphics output, several PC-style I/O ports, and an optional 10Mbit/sec Ethernet port.

SBC1491 Block Diagram
Micro/sys lists the following key features and specifications for the SBC1491:

• Processor — STPC Atlas at 66 or 133 MHz
• Onboard memory:
  • 64 MB DRAM accessible on 64-bit bus
  • 1 MB Flash preloaded with BIOS, utilities and OS
  • battery-backed SRAM, 512 KB or 1 MB
• Storage — 32-pin JDEC socket; supports up to 576MB DiskOnChip
• Display — SVGA out, resolution to 1280 x 1024
• I/O ports:
  • 10-BaseT Ethernet optional
  • 2 serial ports:
    • COM1 — RS232/422/485
    • COM2 — RS232
  • AT-compatible interrupt, DMA, timers, keyboard, speaker
  • PS/2 mouse port
• Expansion — PC/104 non-stackthrough, standard; stackthrough option available
• Operating temperature:
  • SBC1491 — 0 to +70 degrees C
  • SBC1491ET — -40 to +85 degrees C

Availability

The standard SBC1491 is priced at $455 in single quantities, with OEM discounts available. The extended temperature version (SBC1491ET) is $512 at quantity one. Optional features are “quite cost effective,” as they do not require additional boards, according to Micro/sys. The company offers a free software development kit with the first order. Supported operating systems include Linux, Windows CE, and VxWorks. An optional cable kit supports all onboard I/O.

Micro/sys also offers Linux-friendly Atlas STPC-based boards in 5×5-inch and 4.5 x 6.5-inch EPIC form factors.

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