Kontron has introduced a pair of new products based on STMicroelectronics x86-compatible system-on-chip (SoC) processors. Built in two of Kontron's standard form-factors, the ETX-e.lite and DIMM-PC/lite are both based on ST's 100MHz 486-class STPC Elite processor (with integrated floating point unit). The SBCs support Linux.

(Click here for larger image)

Kontron expects the new STPC-based DIMM-PC and ETX form-factor SBCs to be used in “cost-sensitive mass market applications” in building security, numerical control, SOHO (small office, home office) equipment, GPS/GPRS devices, set-top boxes, and test/measurement equipment, it says.

DIMM-PC/lite

Kontron is offering the STPC-based DIMM-PC/lite SBC in three flavors (lite-I, lite-IE, lite-IU), each based on a 100MHz STPC Elite processor and equipped with 32MB of SDRAM along with 32MB of IDE-compatible flash storage memory. Kontron says the “ultra-low-power” design of the DIMM-PC/lite makes it suitable for fanless systems. All three versions include PC-compatible interfaces for serial (2), parallel, keyboard, and floppy. The “lite-IU” adds a USB 1.1 port, while the “lite-IE” substitutes a 10-Mbit Ethernet network interface for the USB port on the “lite-IU”. Board dimensions are 2.7 x 1.6 inches (68 x 40 mm).

Etx-e.lite

The ETX-e.lite is also based on a 100MHz STPC Elite processor, and comes with 32-128MB of soldered-on SDRAM. The SBC includes a CompactFlash socket, along with the option of a soldered-on “vibration-proof” flash disk of up to 128MB capacity. Like its smaller DIMM-PC cousin, the ETX-e.lite is suitable for fanless operation, Kontron says. Despite its compact size (4.6 x 3.7 in.; 95 x 117 mm), the ETX-e.lite boasts a standard array of PC interfaces, including 2 EIDE ports, 2 serial ports, 1 parallel port, 2 USB 1.1 ports, and a 10/100-Mbit Ethernet port. Up to four audio channels can be added as options. Typical power consumption is 4W at 5VDC.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.