Ampro Expands Its EnCore Module Line with 486 and Pentium III
Ampro Expands Its EnCore Module Line with 486 and Pentium III
Broad Range of IA (x86) Modules Supplements New MIPS32 Module
San Jose, CA, August 27, 2001. Ampro Computers, the inventor and leading supplier of PC-compatible single-board computers for the embedded market, today announced two new Intel Architecture, IA, (x86) members of its EnCore family of embedded processors. The 486-based EnCore 400 and the Pentium III-based EnCore 700 modules extend the range of the EnCore family further across the IA (x86) price/performance spectrum. EnCore modules provide embedded developers with a short development-time, processor-independent, common-interface design approach to custom embedded system development.
EnCore modules connect into the developer's target system via a PCI interface and industry-standard IO signals. The new modules expand developers' choices of architecture and clock speed. The EnCore line previously announced 400 MHz MIPS32-based (see accompanying release) and 266 MHz Mobile Pentium-based (Tillamook) modules. All the EnCore modules incorporate rich support for peripheral I/O, so that developers can concentrate development exclusively on the proprietary functions that will distinguish their products.
"EnCore modules can shorten product development by up to 40 weeks," said Joanne Williams, president and CEO of Ampro Computers, Inc. "The availability of a wide price / performance range of EnCore modules enable developers to build a complete and comprehensive product line from the same design. It can incorporate different modules with different price points in their end product while using the identical application-specific logic board. Future upgrades are now easier to execute as well." Within the EnCore line,
embedded developers can now select from a 133 MHz 486, 266 MHz Pentium, 850 MHz Pentium III or 400 MHz MIPS32 processors.
Each EnCore module provides a choice of a RISC or CISC CPU along with a rich set of standardized peripherals and I/O. EnCore I/O include: Ethernet, serial, parallel, USB and sound. Also included is program storage with a choice of flash, IDE or floppy. EnCore modules can provide 2D/3D graphics and flat panel controllers. Best of all, the EnCore modules are OS ready to run VxWorks™, Linux, QNX, or Windows™ 98 / NT / 2000 / NT Embedded.
The EnCore 400 and EnCore 700 beta units are available now with production by the end of the year. EnCore 400 is priced under $300 and the EnCore 700 under $500 in volume. For more information on EnCore embedded processors, visit www.ampro.com, or contact your local Ampro representative at (800) 966-5200.
About EnCore 400
The EnCore 400 module is based on ST Microelectronics' new STPC Atlas microprocessor running at 133 MHz. Like all EnCore modules, the EnCore 400 provides two serial ports, EPP/ECP parallel port, two USB UHCI ports, PS/2 keyboard and mouse interfaces, floppy and Ultra/DMA 33 IDE controllers, 10/100 BaseT Ethernet interface and an AC97 audio interface. EnCore 400 supports from 16MB to 128MB SODIMM DRAM, and interfaces to an application-specific logic board using a 33 MHz PCI bus. EnCore 400 also includes a 2D graphics controller which provides both CRT and TFT flat panel video interfaces.
About EnCore 700
The EnCore 700 module is initially available with a high-performance 850 MHz Mobile Pentium III processor. Each EnCore 700 incorporates the new Intel 815em chipset and provides two serial ports, EPP/ECP parallel port, two USB UHCI ports, PS/2 keyboard and mouse interfaces, floppy and Ultra/DMA 33 IDE controllers, 10/100 BaseT Ethernet interface and an AC97 audio interface. EnCore 700 supports from 16MB to 512MB SODIMM DRAM, and interfaces to an application-specific logic board using a 33 MHz PCI bus. EnCore 700 also includes a 2D/3D graphics controller which provides both CRT and TFT flat panel video interfaces.
About Ampro Computers
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 busses 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
Backgrounder
Ampro Overview