Diamond Systems announced what it claims is the first multi-function SUMIT-ISM I/O module to combine Wi-Fi, dual Ethernet ports, USB ports, and solid-state disk (SSD) capabilities. Designed to be attached to SUMIT-ready SBCs, the “Corona” module lacks a CPU, but is built around a socketed mini-PCI 802.11a/b/g card, and offers an SDVO-to-VGA converter, as well as extended temperature support.

Like Diamond Systems' Aurora module, which shipped in October, the Corona adheres to the SUMIT-ISM form factor. This essentially means that the device has the 3.8 x 3.6-inch form factor inherited from PC/104, but adds a SUMIT (stackable unified module interconnect technology) expansion interface. (See our Aurora coverage for more on SUMIT-ISM.)

Diamond Systems Corona

The Corona uses the SUMIT-ISM Type I form-factor, but is not itself a standalone single board computer (SBC); rather, it's a wireless and storage module for SBCs such as the aforementioned Aurora module. The Corona's SVDO-to-VGA functionality is designed to converting the SDVO output of the Aurora into standard analog VGA format, Diamond notes.

Flip side of Corona showing SSD in place

Although suitable for a variety of fixed and mobile, indoors and outdoors applications in industrial automation, energy management, mobile data acquisition and control, and transportation, the Corona is optimally suited for outdoor wireless access points and data storage devices, says Diamond.

The Corona derives its PCI Express (PCIe) and dual USB host interface signals from the host SBC's SUMIT-A connector, but does not use signals or power from its PC/104 bus stackthrough connector, says the company. The SUMIT-A and PC/104 stackthrough buses are said to enable SUMIT and/or PC/104 modules to be stacked above the Corona.

Corona block diagram
(Click to enlarge)

The Corona's 802.11a/b/g function is based on a socketed, wide-temperature mini-PCI card with dual-channel, dual-antenna Wi-Fi. In addition to Wi-Fi, the Corona offers dual 10/100 Ethernet ports and dual USB 2.0 ports. The aforementioned SDVO-to-VGA can convert SBC signals into VGA format at up to 1920 x 1200 pixels, says Diamond.

The optional onboard 2.5-inch SATA solid state disk (SSD) is designed to act as a holding area prior to offloading data via Wi-Fi or Ethernet communications. Diamond also announced new 2.5-inch SATA SSD modules called the SSD-32GB-XT and SSD-64GB-XT that are available for use with the Corona.

The Corona module, including its Wi-Fi module and SATA SSD card option, is rated for temperatures of -40 to 185 deg. F (-40 to 85 deg. C), says Diamond. Device drivers for Linux 2.6 and Windows XP are said to be available.

Features and specifications listed for the Corona module include:

• Display — SDVO-to-VGA converter up to 1920 x 1200 res. VGA; compatible with Diamond Aurora SBC
• Storage — 2.5-inch SSD socket with optional SSD
• Expansion — SUMIT-A (PCIe) and PC/104 (ISA) stackable expansion
• Networking — 2 x 10/100 Ethernet ports
• USB — 2 x USB 2.0 ports (derived from SUMIT-A bus signals)
• Wireless module:
  • Socketed 802.11a/b/g mini-PCI Wi-Fi radio card
  • up to 40MHz (a/g) and 20MHz (b) channel bandwidth
  • up to 108Mbps total bandwidth
  • 23dBm (200mW) average power
  • 28dBm (600mW) peak power
• Power — +5VDC and +3.3VDC (+ or – 5%); 2.84 Watts with Wi-Fi
• Operating temperature — -40 to 185 deg. F (-40 to 85 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 3.55 x 3.775 inches (90 x 96mm); SUMIT-ISM Type I form-factor
• Weight — 3.5 oz (96 g) with Wi-Fi
• Operating system — Linux 2.6 MADWiFi driver; Windows XP driver

Availability

The Corona module is shipping now, with single-unit pricing for the COR-LANWIFI-XT model (including the Wi-Fi card) starting at $375, and the COR-LAN2-XT model (without Wi-Fi) starting at $200. Diamond's SATA SSD cards are priced separately. Quantity pricing discounts may also be available.

More information may be found in this Corona PDF datasheet.

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