German embedded multimedia company Mycable has released its $500 XXS1500 embedded Linux system based on AMD's Alchemy Au1500 MIPS23 architecture system-on-chip processor. The 3-watt system is fully supported by the linux-mips kernel tree and can be used out-of-the-box in a variety of capacities, according to Mycable.

Mycable XXS board — click for larger view

The core of mycable's XXS series is a bank-card-sized single-board computer with the following features:

• AMD Au1500, up to 500 MHz
• 64 or 128 MByte SDRAM
• 16 MByte Flash
• 2 x Fast Ethernet
• USB 1.1 Host
• 2 x serial RS232
• CompactFlash Slot
• Stereo Audio in/out (AC97-codec)
• PCI Rev. 2.2 (66 MHz) on XXS PCI-combined connector
• USB 1.1 Device on PCI-combined connector
• less than 3W power consumption

The XXS1500 is available as a board-level product, allowing developers to integrate it into embedded designs without worrying about processor hardware, according to Mycable. Or, complemented by a backplane with 16 programmable I/Os and a cute aluminium housing, the tiny system can be used as is, by just adding software.

Mmcable says that an up-to-date Linux 2.4.21 kernel and a lot basic tools come pre-configured on a CD with the XXS1500. Tools includes USB, audio, flash file system, and CompactFlash-IDE support. Mycable expects the device to see use in routers, firewalls, webservers, streaming clients, machine controls, and more.

Mycable says it will GPL all drivers it writes for the device, and contribute them to linux-mips.org. It says the next step for the XXS system will be a graphics/video card with XGA resolution and 3D hardware acceleration. The backplane for this XXS graphics system integrates a MiniPCI connector which allows for example a WLAN extension.

Mycable says its engineers are ready to develop custom specific hardware and software modifications, extensions, or new designs.

The XSS1500 is available direct from Mycable for $499, or $549 with case.

 
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