Ampro Delivers EnCore Module Based On PowerPC Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) To Speed Embedded System Designs
AMPRO DELIVERS EnCore MODULE BASED ON PowerPC
INSTRUCTION SET ARCHITECTURE (ISA)
TO SPEED EMBEDDED SYSTEM DESIGNS
Embedded Computer Pioneer's First Product Based on this
Leading Embedded Architecture Expands Line to 3 CPU Architectures;
Further Validates Platform's Processor Independence
SAN JOSE, CALIF. - March 5, 2002. Ampro Computers, Inc., the inventor and leading supplier of PC/104 and EBX form-factor single board computers for embedded applications, today introduced the EnCore PP1 module, the first entry in its new EnCore family of high integration embedded processor modules based on a PowerPC-compliant microprocessor. Ampro combined Motorola's 300MHz MPC8245 integrated host processor with a fast 66MHz PCI-bus interface, SDRAM memory and additional I/O to provide a complete standards-based CPU subsystem on a small form-factor circuit board assembly.
Like all EnCore modules, the EnCore PP1 relieves developers of most of the processor-development overhead in creating an embedded system. Yet unlike most single board computers, EnCore modules are easy to incorporate in a customized embedded design by interfacing to a custom logic board or baseboard. EnCore modules communicate with a baseboard via a PCI bus interface and standard I/O signals. Since the EnCore-to-baseboard interface avoids processor dependencies, EnCore modules with various processor architectures can be easily interchanged on a common baseboard. Ampro also provides boot-ready operating system Board Support Packages for the EnCore PP1 supporting both Linux® and the VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS) from Wind River Systems, Inc.
"The EnCore PP1 can shorten product development by up to 40 weeks," said Paul Rosenfeld, vice president of marketing for Ampro Computers, Inc. "EnCore processors eliminate the need to design, bring up and debug the CPU and the need to port or configure an operating system. And since all EnCore processors are fully compatible, the new EnCore PP1 enables OEM designers to create a single application board and trade off performance, power consumption and cost against Ampro's x86- and MIPS-based EnCore modules."
"Networking and communications equipment vendors are looking for faster ways of getting their next-generation routers, switches, and network storage systems to market," said Thomas Fehr, director of strategic marketing for Motorola's Networking and Computing Systems Group. "We're happy to see Ampro bring their EnCore family of high integration embedded processor modules to the PowerPC instruction set architecture and Motorola's MPC8245. Together, this module and our MPC8245 processor deliver a comprehensive off-the-shelf MPC8245 processor subsystem—speeding time-to-market and time-to-revenue for advanced networking equipment."
"By extending its EnCore line to embrace the PowerPC ISA, in addition to x86 and MIPS architectures, Ampro offers potential time-to-market benefits to a much wider group of interested OEMs," says Paul Zorfass, senior analyst with International Data Corp./FTI, Framingham, MA. "By keeping price points close to the cost of custom-developed boards, Ampro has an opportunity to establish a leadership position in a high volume segment of the merchant boards market."
"The Computers-on-Modules approach, of which Ampro's EnCore series is a prime example, has the potential to really change the embedded board business," states Eric Gulliksen, market analyst at Venture Development Corp., Natick, MA. "In addition to reducing time to market for OEMs," he adds, "they now can upgrade their CPUs without having to redesign their system. They can simply plug a higher-performance EnCore module into the carrier board they already designed. Expanding the EnCore line to include the popular PowerPC-compliant microprocessors is a good move."
The EnCore product family now provides a choice of the PowerPC ISA, MIPS32 or three Intel Architecture (x86) CPUs ranging from 486 to Pentium III. Each module provides a processor along with a rich set of standard peripherals and I/O. All EnCore modules provide: 10/100BaseT Ethernet, serial, parallel, USB and sound. For program storage, designers can choose from flash, IDE (including CompactFlash) or floppy. Some EnCore modules provide 2D/3D graphics and flat panel controllers and a second 10/100 BaseT Ethernet controller. Best of all, each EnCore is ready to run VxWorks or Linux.
The EnCore PP1 CPU module will be demonstrated at the Embedded Systems Conference, Booth #1234, March 13-15 at Moscone Center in San Francisco. Beta units are available in 30 days with production in second quarter of 2002. EnCore PP1 is priced under $300 in volume. For more information, visit www.ampro.com.
About the EnCore PP1
The EnCore PP1 incorporates a 300MHz MPC8245 processor with a built-in 66MHz PCI bus interface. It supports up to 512MB SODIMM SDRAM and provides 2MB Flash memory with Ampro universal bootloader / monitor software. As with all EnCore modules, the EnCore PP1 provides the functionality of a complete embedded CPU subsystem in a small, 100x145mm, format. On-board I/O includes a 10/100BaseT Ethernet controller, JTAG interface, two serial ports, four USB ports, enhanced Ultra 33/66 EIDE interface to two drives, floppy disk controller, PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports, IrDA port, an ECP/EPP bidirectional parallel port and an AC97 audio interface.
About Ampro Computers, Inc.
Ampro Computers, Inc. is the leading global provider of modular embedded computing solutions for OEM applications. Ampro's mission is to provide time saving solutions for embedded systems designers that accelerate the product deployment process. Ampro pioneered the embedded PC industry creating the popular PC/104 and EBX standards. The new EnCore family enables designers to obtain all the benefits of an off-the-shelf CPU solution while maintaining the flexibility of a full custom design. In addition to EnCore, Ampro offers three product lines; PC/104-compatible CoreModule CPUs and MiniModule expansion products, and EBX form factor LittleBoard single board computers. Ampro was awarded EDN magazine's "Innovation 2000" for computers, boards and buses for the initial EnCore announcement. For more information on Ampro Computers, visit http://www.ampro.com.
AMPRO is a registered trademark and EnCore, LittleBoard, CoreModule, and MiniModule are trademarks of Ampro Computers, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Media Contacts:
Ampro Computers, Inc.
Victoria Kostka
Tel: 1-408-360-4324
Email: vkostka@ampro.com
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