WinSystems, one of the originators of the 4.5 x 6.5 inch EPIC standard for embedded single board computers (SBCs), has unveiled its first SBC in the EPIC format. The EPX-C3 is based on an x86-compatible 733MHz Via C3 processor, and supports embedded Linux.

WinSystems has done a great job demonstrating how well the new EPIC standard works, cramming a full PC's worth of functionality into the form-factor — including processor, graphics, networking, extensive I/O, and PC/104-Plus expansion.

The EPX-C3's onboard interfaces include:

• 10/100 Ethernet
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• Four COM ports
• 24 digital I/O lines
• 4x AGP Video with CRT, flat panel, and LVDS interface
  • Color panels up to 36-bits/pixel
  • Resolutions up to 1920 x 1440
  • Simultaneous CRT and LCD operation
  • Backlight power supported
• Keyboard controller
• PS/2 mouse support
• Bidirectional parallel port
• AC 97 audio

Photo and layout of the EPX-CE
(Click each to enlarge)
The EPX-C3 also includes controllers for floppy and UltraDMA 33/66/100 IDE hard drives, a slot for bootable Type I/II CompactFlash, and a socket for bootable M-Systems DiskOnChip (up to 1GB).

WinSystems notes that the board's ESP7000 (C3) processor will operate from -40 to +85 deg. C without a fan, a temperature range supported by the entire board. The processor also includes Via's Padlock Hardware Security Suite, including a random number generator and AES cryptography accelerator.

The board runs from a single +5V DC supply, drawing 3.1 Amps (typ.) with 256MB of SDRAM installed, WinSystems says.

The EPX-C3 is priced at $590 in “moderate volumes,” and is available now.

SBCs based on the EPIC standard have previously been launched by Octagon, Ampro, Micro/sys, and VersaLogic.

---

 
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.