Ampro Rallies Behind Microsoft's Windows NT Embedded 4.0
Ampro Rallies Behind Microsoft's Windows NT Embedded 4.0
SAN JOSE, Calif., September 27, 1999. Ampro Computers Inc., originator of the PC/104, PC/104-Plus, and EBX standards today demonstrates support for Microsoft's new Windows NT Embedded 4.0 operating system today, as part of the Microsoft Windows NT Embedded 4.0 press conference. Ampro's two demonstrations at the event include a customer application, the Tecstar Demo Systems Division Portable Maintenance Access Terminal (PMAT), and the LittleBoard/P5x EBX single board computer - both shown running Microsoft Windows NT Embedded 4.0.
"The Ampro LittleBoard/P5x is a perfect 'platform' for Microsoft Windows NT Embedded 4.0 because it contains everything necessary to run the OS and an application - including an onboard bootable CompactFlash flash disk socket - all on a single compact and highly embeddable assembly," said Rick Lehrbaum, vice president of strategic development at Ampro. "Conversely, Windows NT Embedded is a product that the high end embedded market has been longing for" continued Lehrbaum, "because it offers proven robustness, real Windows compatibility, enhanced real-time performance, and reduced resource footprint - which are the keys to success in the embedded PC market."
Windows NT Embedded Platform
The Ampro LittleBoard/P5x is a highly integrated, high performance single board computer in the "EBX" non-backplane embedded computer form-factor (5.75 x 8.0 in.). The module includes all functions of a laptop/desktop PC on a single compact and highly embeddable board-level "macrocomponent". Features include: 266MHz Intel mobile Pentium* processor ("Tillamook"), 256MB DRAM, LCD/CRT display interface, 100 megabit Ethernet port, CompactFlash socket, SCSI interface, and PC/104-Plus modular expansion. The module is well qualified to meet the demands of fixed, portable, and mobile embedded applications, including extended operating temperature (-40 to +85 deg. C), MIL-STD-202F shock/vibration, long product lifecycle (5+ years), and a 3-year warranty.
"Microsoft is delighted that Windows NT Embedded 4.0 will provide the basis for Ampro's two demonstrations today," said Vince Mendillo, lead product manager for Windows NT Embedded 4.0, Microsoft Corp. "Windows NT Embedded has only been available for six weeks, yet it's incredibly encouraging to see companies such as Ampro, with its extensive experience, develop reliable, robust solutions for customers based on our platform."
Tecstar Demo Systems Division Application
The Tecstar Demo Systems Division Portable Maintenance Access Terminal (PMAT) is a rugged, portable diagnostic computer that is standard equipment aboard the Boeing 777. The PMAT provides access to the aircraft's onboard maintenance system, monitors avionics bus activity, and can load operational programs into more than 80 avionics systems. An internal hard drive contains maintenance manuals and allows storage of avionics subsystem operating software. Based on an Ampro EBX embedded PC, the Demo Systems PMAT has been certified for conformance with Boeing's highly demanding specs for shock, vibration, extended temperature, EMI, ESD, and reliability.
Typical Benefits
Ampro's LittleBoard/P5x offers a fast time-to-market approach to developing systems based on Microsoft Windows NT Embedded. Using an off-the-shelf "macrocomponent" embedded PC in conjunction with Windows NT Embedded 4.0 enables OEMs to focus their precious product development resources on their product's unique requirements, rather than needlessly "reinventing the wheel" (by developing custom embedded computers).
Through the onboard PC/104-Plus expansion stack location, which contains both the PCI and ISA buses, the LittleBoard/P5x is easily expanded with unique functions required by the application, using either off-the-shelf or custom added electronics. The OEM thus has a toolset of both hardware and software embedded computer building blocks that greatly simplify and accelerate embedded system development. Because the LittleBoard/P5x is EBX form-factor compliant, it is also a member of a price/performance continuum of products that allow the OEM to choose the best processor for the application, migrate to higher performance as technology advances, and maintain a long and stable product lifecycle.
About Ampro
Now in its 16th year, Ampro Computers, Inc., is the leading manufacturer of PC-compatible computer modules for embedded applications. The company originated the PC/104 and PC/104-Plus standards, and co-authored (with Motorola) the EBX high-performance non-backplane single board computer standard (based on Ampro's popular LittleBoard form-factor). Ampro's extensive line of PC/104 form-factor CoreModule CPUs and MiniModule expansion products, and EBX form-factor LittleBoard single board computers enable OEMs to integrate PC-compatible architectures into their products while minimizing system size, time-to-revenue, and development costs and risks. Ampro's embedded computer modules are optimized for fixed, portable, and mobile environments and support extended temperatures, shock/vibration, and CE mark compliance. All Ampro embedded-PC products are manufactured in ISO9000-certified factories.
Media Contacts:
Ampro ADLINK Technology Inc.
Kelly Gillilan
Tel: 1-408-360-4324
Email: kelly.gillilan@adlinktech.com
Backgrounder
Ampro Overview